Xi Jinping, the President of the People’s Republic of China, joined by a number of heads of state and global dignitaries, attended the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum for International Co-operation on 15 May 2017 in Beijing. There was a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the event, which confirmed the shared commitment to establishing a more open global economy and ensuring free and inclusive trade, while opposing all forms of protectionism, in line with the aims and objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative. The joint communiqué also pledged to promote a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its core. The communiqué also set out the following jointly-agreed objectives:

• The enhancement of international co-operation across a range of platforms, including the Belt and Road Initiative, and the nurturing of relevant developmental strategies through the establishment of closer collaborative partnerships.

• Expanded economic growth, trade and investment via a level-playing field model, in line with established market rules and universally-recognised international norms.

• Deepened institutional and people-to-people connectivity across all national borders.

• Expanded interpersonal exchanges, the promotion of justice and peaceful coexistence, the creation of a united front against every form of corruption or bribery and a guarantee of equal access to development opportunities and benefits for all.

• Action to  protect the future of the planet, including urgent measures to counter the problem of climate change and to achieve sustainable, balanced and integrated development in three key global areas - the economy, society and the environment.

• Greater participation of governments, international and regional organisations, the private sector, civil society and individual citizens in fostering and promoting friendship, while nurturing mutual understanding and trust.

Overall, the joint communiqué advocated peace, openness, transparency, inclusiveness, equality, mutual learning, mutual benefits and mutual respect through the strengthening of cooperation on the basis of extensive consultation in line with the applicable international laws.

Please click here for the full text of the communiqué.