Xi Jinping calls on Eurasian nations to boost ties with belt and road as Beijing seeks to expand influence
- Chinese president addressed Eurasian Economic Forum via video link as Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin visited Beijing for trade talks
- As China makes inroads into Russia’s traditional sphere of influence, Xi renewed calls for all countries to work together for ‘common prosperity’
Speaking as an invited guest at the opening ceremony of the second Eurasian Economic Forum in Moscow via video link on Wednesday, Xi also reiterated that the path towards a multipolar world was “irresistible”, Xinhua reported.
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China announces US$3.8 billion Belt and Road expansion in Central Asia
“The ultimate goal of [the belt and road programme] is to explore new ways for countries from near and far to achieve common development and to open up a path of happiness that benefits the whole world,” Xi was quoted as saying.
“It is China’s sincere hope that the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union will be deepened, and all countries will work together with unity and dedication to open up new prospects for Asia-Europe cooperation,” he said.
The Eurasian Economic Forum is organised by the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), a five-member bloc launched in 2014 which also includes post-Soviet states Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
All five members of the EAEU are signatories to the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global infrastructure and economic development push which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.