One Chinese journalist’s view on how the world’s media reacted to the announcement Chinese President Xi Jinping will be the first ever Chinese head of state to address the World Economic forum in Davos

Just one week before the start of the World Economic Forum 2017 and the Chinese foreign ministry officially confirmed the participation of President Xi. 

Xi will be the first ever Chinese head of state to address this prestigious economic gathering attended by over 2,000 business and government leaders representing 70 countries.

The world’s media at Davos immediately responded to the news with a raft of questions, both on the practicalities and on the broader questions about what this means to China and global politics. 

The opening speech will be delivered by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) during a briefing in Geneva. He said the participation of President Xi is particularly relevant in connection of this year’s theme “Responsive and Responsible Leadership”.

Professor Schwab also highlighted the strong delegation of business leaders accompany President Xi, which includes Alibaba Group Holding Ltd founder Jack Ma, Baidu President Zhang Yaqin, Dalian Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin and Huawei Chairwoman Sun Yafang. Schwab said the World Economic Forum will hold various sessions this year to engage these Chinese figures as much as possible.

Some of the journalists present wanted to know what President Xi’s view is on his future US counterpart, Donald Trump, whose January inauguration coincides with the last day of Davos meeting. Others wanted to know President Xi’s view on China’s economy and whether it could inject fresh impetus into the global economy recovery. While, others were curious about China’s increasing role in international affairs and global governance.

In response, Professor Schwab acknowledged that the world is in a state of transition involving multipolar geopolitical issues. He expected that China will equal the United States as far as economic power is concerned, and predicts that President Xi will show how China will assume its role in global affairs in his Davos opening speech.