Asia talks as Boao forum starts

World
Europe

Is an Asian Union possible, just like the European Union?

What role does China’s Belt and Road Initiative play in building connectivity on the Eurasian continent?

CFP Photo

The four-day Boao Forum for Asia 2017 began on Thursday, focusing on an Asian perspective on globalization and free trade.

More than 80 ministers, leaders of international organizations and business executives from over 20 participating countries and international institutions are expected to attend 42 sub-forums and 12 closed-door dialogues.

CFP Photo

With “Inclusive globalization” on top of the forum agenda, CGTN Digital took the chance to ask the heavyweight guests how they view Asia and the world’s globalization paths.

2016: Who is the voice of globalization

CFP Photo

Donald Trump was elected US president on the back of a strong protectionist message, questioning global alliances and the virtues of free trade. He wasted no time in fulfilling his campaign pledges, notably by pulling the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

CFP Photo

And Europe was stunned by Brexit, with the European Union - a benchmark for cooperation, free markets and free movement - wobbling after Britain’s decision to leave the bloc.

But as Western nations have become more insular, Asia is growing closer economically than ever before, with ASEAN gaining clout on the global stage and free trade pacts such as RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) developing fast.

CFP Photo

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January, Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a robust defense of globalization and free trade. Protectionism, he warned, is like “locking oneself in a dark room.”

“It is true that economic globalization has created new problems, but this is no justification to write off economic globalization altogether,” Xi said, “We must remain committed to developing free trade and investment.”

CFP Photo

2016 was a year of political earthquakes in the US and Europe, set to shake the world’s established economic direction - how will Asia respond?