Xi's new year message: Beijing will actively push for OBOR
Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out Beijing's priorities to realize the "Chinese dream" in his new years message. According to media reports, Xi stated that China would decisively implement planned reforms in 2018. He added that Beijing will "actively push" the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative as well as responsibly fulfill China's international obligations. What's on Xi's agenda for 2018? Read on.
What is OBOR?
The One Belt One Road initiative, later renamed the Belt and Road initiative, has two components: a land based Silk Road Economic Belt and a sea based Maritime Silk Road. It aims to connect Asia and Europe through a network of industrial and trade corridors, enhancing Eurasia's connectivity with China. Through OBOR, China plans to boost international influence and achieve industrial capacity co-operation.
Xi stresses on reforms
Xi stressed on implementing reforms as a top priority agenda for 2018 and stated "reform and opening-up is the path we must take to make progress in contemporary China and to realize the Chinese dream."
Xi: 'China will fulfill international obligations'
Xi outlined China's priorities on the international front and stated "China has something to say as a responsible major country." He asserted that China will "actively fulfill its international obligations and duties." "China will uphold the status and authority of the UN...tackle climate change, builder of world peace, contributor of global development and keeper of international order," he added.
