Globalization and free trade – Chinese President Xi Jinping cited these as the keys to global growth at his historic keynote address to the World Economic Forum.

CGTN’s Jack Barton reports from Davos, Switzerland.

Global: that was the major theme of President Xi Jinping’s speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos – the first by a Chinese leader. President Xi warned against protectionism, claimed the victories of globalization and vowed to keep China’s door open.

China’s President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the first day of the World Economic Forum, on January 17, 2017 in Davos. (AFP PHOTO / FABRICE COFFRINI)

President Xi’s multi-day trip wrapped up with a visit to the United Nations Office in Geneva where he outlined China’s continued dedication to the international community.

Chinese President Xi Jinping looks on during a meeting at the United Nations European headquarters in Geneva, on January 18, 2017. (AFP PHOTO / POOL / DENIS BALIBOUSE)

Tonight’s panel discusses China’s growing role as a world and economic leader and has more on Xi’s WEF speech:

• Keyu Jin, a tenured professor at the London School of Economics.
• Pepe Escobar, editor-at-large of Asia Times.
• Philippe Monnier, an international business executive and board member of WayRay.
• Robert Hormats, vice chairman of Kissinger Associates.

For more:

Full Text of Xi Jinping keynote at the World Economic Forum

The following is the full text of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

#XiJinping: Major powers should respect each other's core interests, major concerns, keep differences under control https://t.co/JlyAhMQeq3 pic.twitter.com/cTmYxxc3mZ

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) January 18, 2017

#XiJinping: We must face the challenges of #climatechange, aging population, and address the negative impact of automation on jobs #WEF17 pic.twitter.com/Ky5ChDasm8

— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) January 17, 2017