World leaders gathered in Beijing Sunday for the opening of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, to embrace a Chinese solution to stimulate global growth and promote prosperity for all.
Sunday saw the start of the first-ever Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Washington sent a delegation led by White House adviser Matthew Pottinger to the summit, a sharp contrast from its previous attitude to Beijing's infrastructure-building proposals. Washington "recognizes the importance" of the Belt and Road initiative, according to the US Commerce Department.
Scholars and guests at the Belt and Road Forum of International Cooperation on Sunday hailed the Belt and Road initiative, expressing hopes that the initiative would provide greater opportunities for ordinary people.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on Monday. Heads of State from 29 countries, leaders of international organizations, including the United Nations Secretary-General and representatives from over 130 nations were present at the ceremony.