President Xi Jinping will speak in Davos for the first time. (Photo : Getty Images)
All eyes will be on Chinese President Xi Jinping as he will speak for the first time at the Davos World Economic Forum.
Xi's attendance at the forum comes in a time when the global economic leader, the U.S., is trying to back out of the globalization game.
The final day of the forum even coincides with the day that President Donald Trump will be sworn into office.
During the forum, Xi is expected to speak on shared responsibilities and that countries should work closely to free up the global economy, lessen tariffs and dismantle trade restrictions.
Eswar Prasad, the former head of the International Monetary Fund's China division, said, "President Xi's appearance in Davos is indicative of China's desire to signal that it is ready for constructive engagement in global governance and to take on a leadership role consistent with its economic might."
Prasad noted that China is strategically using Davos to push its own agenda in free trade. The global giant already is leading a regional cooperation among Russia and 16 other nations called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
The partnership makes up 30 percent of the global GDP.
Prasad added: "As countries around the world take stock of what a Trump presidency could mean for their relations with the U.S., China is seeking to position itself as a mature, trustworthy power that is open to closer bilateral relations and also to a broader leadership role in the international community."
He also said that China is positioning itself to fill in any void left by the U.S. in terms of global leadership.
Xi will be defending the country as a partner to enforce global security and clarify its position on various territorial disputes.
According to Jia Xiudong, at the China Institute of International Affairs in Beijing, "other countries may see China as an aggressive, assertive country. But this is a misunderstanding. That's why it's such a good opportunity for the president to communicate his message."
