The BRI focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe.
India has objected to the CPEC as it is being laid through the Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and boycotted a high-profile Belt and Road Forum organised by China last year.
At the BFA meeting attended among others by Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Xi said, “It must be pointed out that as the BRI is a new initiative, it is perfectly natural that there will be different views on cooperation.”
“As long as the parties embrace the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we can surely enhance cooperation and resolve differences,” he said. “This way, we can make the BRI the broadest platform for international cooperation in keeping with the trend of economic globalisation and to the greater benefit of all our peoples,” Xi said.
This is the first major speech by Xi after he began his second five-year tenure last month. He is widely expected to continue in power for life as China’s parliament has removed the two-term limit for the president through a constitutional amendment.
