China to host four major events this year, says Wang

Foreign Minister Wang Yi introduced four major events China will host in 2018 on Thursday during a news conference. The first is the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, which will take place in Hainan in April, and focus on reform and opening-up.

“In the 40th anniversary year of the reform and opening-up, we will review China’s successful experience and sketch new possibilities for reform and opening-up in the new era,” Wang said.

The second is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, which will take place in Qingdao in June. The expanded SCO will rededicated itself to the Shanghai spirit to the mutual trust and benefit, equal and consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development. “The summit will set the SCO on the new journey of consolidation and growth,” he added.

The third event is the Forum on China-African Cooperation Summit, which will take place in Beijing in September, and focus on the Belt and Road Initiative. “(It will be) a great opportunity for our African brothers and sisters to participate fully in the BRI, the summit will give new impetus to the China-African comprehensive strategic partnership,” the minister said.

The final one is the 1st China International Import Expo, which will take place in Shanghai, and focus on the further market opening. “China will embrace the world with open arm, and enormous market potential. All will be welcomed to access and benefit from the new opportunity of China’s development,” he said.