The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference has just kicked off in south China's Hainan Province. Nearly 2,000 representatives from over 60 countries and regions are attending the four-day event. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang will deliver a keynote speech at the opening plenary on Thursday. The forum is seen as Asia's answer to Davos. This year's theme is "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future." The theme reflects efforts in the region to boost multilateralism, promote openness and development, and jointly respond to global challenges.