Xi urges world leaders to join Belt and Road plan

Speaking at the Belt and Road Forum, attended by government heads from three dozen countries, Xi said the project must produce "multiplied effects in infrastructure development, industrial clustering, economic growth and people's wellbeing."

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday emphasized the nature of openness and multilateralism of the Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiative at a meeting with foreign leaders in Beijing.

Speaking at the Belt and Road Forum, attended by government heads from three dozen countries, Xi said the project must produce "multiplied effects in infrastructure development, industrial clustering, economic growth and people's wellbeing."

The Belt and Road have stirred anxiety in Washington, Moscow and Tokyo about Beijing's strategic ambitions as well as how projects are devised, managed and financed.

Beijing has also tried to dispel complaints the multibillion-dollar project leaves developing countries with too much debt.