The world has witnessed a surprising rise in anti-globalization sentiment, epitomized by the United Kingdom’s Brexit and U.S. election of Donald Trump. But what is even more surprising is the country that has stepped in to defend the value of free trade: the People’s Republic of China.
On May 14-15, China will be hosting its largest diplomatic event of the year, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. This forum supports China’s New Silk Road initiative to increase economic connectivity between Asia, Europe, and Africa through billions of dollars in infrastructure investments. Heads of state from over two dozen countries will be in attendance, including most Asian leaders.
The Belt and Road Forum follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s appearance at January’s World Economic Forum in Davos. In his speech, President Xi strongly supported economic globalization, stating that “we must remain committed to developing global free trade and investment… and say no to protectionism.”
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