Chinese Foreign Affairs leader Wang Yi emphasized China's commitment to advancing global development cooperation during the 3rd High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development on April 23, 2026. Speaking at the event's opening ceremony, Wang outlined China's strategy to strengthen international partnerships through its five-year-old Global Development Initiative (GDI).
"The GDI has transformed from a national proposal into collective action," stated Wang, who serves on the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. He highlighted how the initiative has accelerated progress toward achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through 78 practical cooperation projects established across 60+ countries since 2021.
With 2026 marking the GDI's fifth anniversary, Wang announced plans to expand multilateral cooperation frameworks in digital economy development and climate-resilient infrastructure. The diplomat stressed China's intention to "deepen practical collaboration in emerging fields" while maintaining support for traditional development priorities like poverty reduction and healthcare access.
Analysts note the timing coincides with increased Asian infrastructure demands, particularly in Southeast Asia where GDI-backed projects have grown 40% year-over-year. The forum attracted representatives from 136 countries and regions, including multiple APEC members and developing economies.
