As the Biden Administration begins its ideological “Summit for Democracy,” China begins its annual Boao Forum on Hainan Island with over 2,000 attendees from around 50 countries. The theme of this year’s summit is “An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges.” The message being sent is that China is open to the world and will so remain and that those who wish to benefit from this are welcome to participate. Also in attendance are the prime ministers of Malaysia, Singapore, and Spain. The meeting will be addressed by the new Chinese premier, Li Qiang, who will talk about the possibilities of China’s “high-quality development” and the success and expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Prior to Boao, the China Development Forum was held in Beijing, which drew many U.S. business leaders, eager to expand their operations in this, the largest consumer market in the world. The Chinese Commerce Secretary met personally with dozens of U.S. business leaders to assure them that the “opening up” of China to foreign investment will continue.
