Globalism, protectionism debate on the docket at World Economic Forum

World Today

China’s President Xi Jinping, speaks during a Press Statement in the Hotel Bellevue Palace during his visit to Switzerland, in Bern, Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. (Anthony Anex/Keystone via AP)

On Tuesday the world will be listening closely to what the Chinese President Xi has to say at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

At a time when conservative political sentiment is rising in much of the West, China is expected to keep its commitment to open markets and tackling economic seclusion.

CGTN’s Jack Barton reports.

The center of Davos has now been closed off for the 47th World Economic Forum, expected to attract a record 3,000 delegates.

The theme this year is responsive and responsible leadership that a timely topic with Donald Trump about to become the president of the United States.

Trump’s policies as well as Britain’s decision to leave the EU are already generating much debate and that is expected to continue throughout the forum where Xi Jinping will become the first Chinese president to attend.

At the forum President Xi will deliver a keynote speech in which he is expected to address incoming U.S. President’s protectionist policies including threats of trade barriers, which Beijing has said will be in the interest of no one and could lead to the isolation of the United States.

“I have the expectation that my participation in at the World Economic Forum in Davos and my visit here in Switzerland where there are many international organisations will contribute to maintaining world peace and help finding a joint solution for the important global problems, for building a consensus with all sides and sending positive signals to the international community,” he said.

Rising global inequality is another pressing issue feeding into the rise of populist political parties and a backlash against globalization.

President Xi is being accompanied by the largest Chinese delegation ever to the forum including some of the largest corporate heads like Alibaba founder Jack Ma.

The size of the delegation is also expected to lead to unprecedented participation by Chinese speakers at many of the forums events.