Overview

• China will host the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing from Oct. 17 to 18 to mark the initiative's 10th anniversary.
• Representatives from over 130 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, are expected to attend the forum.
• The forum will focus on "high-quality joint construction" of the Belt and Road initiative, which aims to expand China's economic and political influence globally.
• Critics view the initiative as a vehicle for China to exert influence, although it has signed deals with over 150 countries and 30 organizations.
• China and Russia are signaling closer ties, as Putin will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and attend the forum.