China’s Xi paints Belt and Road’s place in a Beijing-led world order

China’s President has contrasted Beijing’s global ambitions with Trump’s America First stance.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrive for the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. Picture: AP

Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined plans to expand his Belt and Road Initiative into broader economic and social co-operation between signatory countries, stepping up the concept of a Beijing-led global order in contrast with President Trump’s America First stance.

Speaking at the second Belt and Road conference in Beijing today, President Xi said there would be improved transparency and “zero tolerance” for corruption in BRI projects, addressing some of the main criticisms of the concept he first outlined in 2013.

Initially seen as a series of infrastructure projects such as ports, road and railways, to boost China’s trade with Asia, Europe and Africa President Xi’s speech outlined plans to expand it with more people to people exchanges, and expanded co-operation in areas such as science, technology, health and agricultural development.

“We need to promote a global partnership for connectivity,” he said.

“As we work closely together we will transcend geographical distance and embark on a path of win-win co operation,” he said.

“We want to sow the seeds of co-operation, harvest the fruits of development bring grater happiness to our people and make or world a better place for all,” he said.

More than 120 countries have signed various agreements to back Xi’s BRI concept although Australia has chosen not to sign up.

President Xi said the BRI was “not an exclusive club” and was prepared to work cooperatively with other organisations- addressing concerns that the concept was seen primarily as a series of China led bilateral relationships.

He said China would continue its program of opening up its economy and would not be devaluing its currency, the yuan.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who also spoke at the forum this morning, said the BRI would help boost the economies of Eurasia.

In a clear reference to President Trump, Mr Putin said the Belt and Road concept was a way of countering the “rise of protectionism”, “unilateralism” and trade wars and slowing world economic growth.

He said these “negative trends were breeding grounds for terrorism, extremism and unlawful migration.”