Close to 300 foreign leaders endorse Xi as peacemaker

BEIJING: The signatures of almost 300 foreign political leaders on a document praising Chinese President Xi Jinping’s contributions to world peace has provided him valuable ammunition to counter arguments by those who fear the country’s rising international clout.

The so-called Beijing Initiative was signed on Sunday at the end of a four-day Communist Party gather- ing that brought together hundreds of political representatives, including Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The document said, among other things: “We highly praise the great effort and major contributions made by the Chinese Communist Party with General Secretary Xi Jinping as its core leader to build a community of shared future for mankind and a peaceful and fine world.”

China’s largest ever global interparty dialogue represented Xi’s latest play for greater overseas clout since outlining plans in October to make his country a great power by 2050.

One challenge facing Xi is overcoming suspicion that China, which already has the world’s second largest economy and one of its most powerful militaries, would seek to use its growing influence to coerce smaller countries.

The Beijing event showcased a growing willingness to let China assume a leadership role as US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies and Brexit negotiations undermine confidence in the established Western powers.

While most participants were from left-leaning parties in developing nations, Italy’s Democratic Party, New Zealand’s Labour Party, South Korea’s Democratic Party and Japan’s Komeito Party also sent representatives.

The document also endorsed Xi’s “Belt and Road” trade and infrastructure initiative.