Ten years ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping raised the initiatives of joining with others to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

This is how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at building a trade, investment, and infrastructure network that connects different regions along the ancient trade routes and beyond, took shape.

Since its launch, the BRI has grown into a global platform where partner countries work together to promote people's well-being and further boost global development amid daunting challenges.

President Xi has emphasized BRI cooperation on many occasions over the past decade. Here are some of his key quotes.