The forum was launched in 2001 with an initial aim to discuss the region's most pressing problems. But its scope has certainly expanded over the past 17 years. CGTN's Ma Ke explains.

The Forum's roots lie in a 1998 meeting in Manila. Former leaders of the Philippines, Australia and Japan proposed the establishment of an Asian forum to give countries in the region a place to share ideas and plan the future. The first Bo'ao Forum took place in 2002 and it has steadily developed since. It is now in line with Asian financial trends and tests the temperature of the region's economic health.

The Bo'ao Forum was initiated by 25 Asian countries and Australia. It started as a means to promote Asia's economic integration, but has gradually shifted its focus to global issues. This tendency is best revealed through the changes in the themes.

The key word for the forum's beginning years was "win-win". Asian countries at the time found it crucial to cooperate among themselves to progress as an economic bloc.  From 2007 onwards, leaders began to notice new engines for development, and decided there could be new opportunities beyond the continent.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "China will continue to uphold and promote free and convenient trade as well as investment. We encourage investment from and to other Asian countries, and create new room for cooperation. China firmly supports the opening up of Asian countries and its cooperation with other parts of the world. This is to benefit the common development of not only Asia but the world as a community. "

Since 2014, the word "new" is constantly seen in the forum's themes. Under a different economic and political environment, Asian economies now see their future growingly related to regions not only inside but also outside the bloc, and strive to contribute to the world as a whole. This spirit is also in line with the concept of "Building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind" put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "We must see the whole picture, follow the trends of our times and jointly build a regional order that is more favorable to both Asia and the world. We should, through efforts towards a community for Asia, promote building a Community of Shared Future for Mankind."

"An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity" That's this year's theme for the Bo'ao Forum. And it reveals Asia's commitment to take up more responsibilities in global affairs. During the next few days, the world will listen to the Asian perspective of how to adjust to and prosper in the new era.