Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Beijing Tuesday for the third Belt and Road Forum, joining a star-studded guest list of leaders and diplomats from over 140 countries and regions. The forum celebrates the 10th anniversary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – a trillion-dollar global infrastructure project reshaping trade routes from Asia to Europe. 🚂💼
Dubbed the 'project of the century' by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the BRI has funded everything from highways in Laos to ports in Greece. This year’s summit focuses on 'green development' and digital innovation, with Putin and Xi set to discuss deepening Sino-Russian cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
Over 10,000 delegates are attending, including leaders from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Analysts say the event highlights China’s growing role as a geopolitical bridgebuilder – though critics question debt sustainability in some partner nations. 💡🌐
