Emerging economy leaders visiting China for 'Belt & Road' forum

China Hosts International, Leaders at Latest , Belt and Road Summit. 'The Guardian' reports that world leaders have gathered in Beijing to join China's belt and road initiative (BRI) forum. . 'The Guardian' reports that world leaders have gathered in Beijing to join China's belt and road initiative (BRI) forum. . The forum is the third of its kind since the global development drive was initiated by President Xi Jinping ten years ago. The BRI was originally meant to serve as a physical and digital infrastructure project connecting China with the rest of the world. The project later transformed into a massive financing vehicle for Chinese lenders to back projects across the world. Of over 130 countries attending the two-day summit, the most senior European Union representative is expected to be Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán. . Of over 130 countries attending the two-day summit, the most senior European Union representative is expected to be Hungary's prime minister, Viktor Orbán. . Also scheduled to attend the summit is Russian president Vladimir Putin and a representative of the Taliban. Also scheduled to attend the summit is Russian president Vladimir Putin and a representative of the Taliban. 'The Guardian' reports that the summit emphasizes that China and Russia's political priorities are aligned, despite Beijing promoting a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. 'The Guardian' reports that the summit emphasizes that China and Russia's political priorities are aligned, despite Beijing promoting a peaceful resolution in Ukraine. Since the BRI's inception in 2013, China's development goals have been hampered by a trade war with the U.S., Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, China pushed its global development initiative (GDI) at the UN general assembly, linking the concept with the UN's sustainable development goals. Last week, China published a white paper stating that “the ultimate goal of the BRI is to help build a global community of shared future.”. According to the paper, rather than focusing solely on economic development, the BRI will take on issues like food security, infectious diseases and climate change

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a productive discussion on confidential issues during their meeting at the Belt and Road...