World leaders gather in Beijing for second Belt and Road Forum
A look at the events on Friday with scenes from the opening ceremony and welcome banquet.
The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is being held in Beijing from April 25 to 27, and leaders including heads of state and government from nearly 40 countries will attend the forum's roundtable meeting.
The Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road trade routes to seek common development and prosperity.
A total of 126 countries, including developed and developing nations, and 29 international organisations have signed cooperation documents with China on the initiative.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, called for greater attention to tackling climate change and poverty as Pakistan and China enter the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The prime minister appreciated the significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying it "marks a new and distinct phase in the onward march of nations in the world along the path of globalisation".
Later in the evening, a welcome banquet was hosted by President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan in honour of the world leaders at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
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Comments (108) Closed
Apr 27, 2019 12:48am
All of them want Chinese money.
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Apr 27, 2019 12:56am
World leaders gather but Chowkidaar left his country out in sharing this economic pie.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:02am
Excellent photos. Go Khan, go...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Apr 27, 2019 01:03am
The world have many belts and many roads ----- China's neighbours like India, Bangladesh absent from the 'Road-Belt' forum in Beijing.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:08am
PM Narendra Modi is missing, despite elections he may have come and express his ideas, the importance of regional cooperation is gaining day by day.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:15am
PM IK looking very impressive ,making Pakistani proud every where !
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Apr 27, 2019 01:26am
Imran relegated to the extreme right corner in the second row. He is barely visible in spite of his height and stature.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:27am
Imran is on the right track. It is a difficult road and will time to reach stated goals. each one has to chip in, it is not him alone. The opposition has made it difficult for him at every step to progress. Wish they were more sensible and fair.
Not been a student of law , but looking at other countries, our judiciary is very lineant , sometimes to the point of over sympathetic to the crooks who Courts themselves penalised with long sentences.
Things would hopefully improve but it is a hard road in front of Imran.
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Apr 27, 2019 02:03am
BRI summit would have been 60% successful if India as a dominant player present there.But,India chosed it's national interest first and that should be.
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Apr 27, 2019 02:17am
So proud to see a great legend, national hero, honest and self made man like Imran Khan representing Pakistan as our Leader at a Global Forum instead of corrupt criminals and jokers like Nawaz, Shahbaz, Zardari, Gilani, and Raja Rental!
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Apr 27, 2019 03:13am
China is taking away the US imperialistic limelight away in the World's arena. If China plays her card right in economics, trade and defence, the glory of the US will be faded away slowly slowly in the oblivion. I only wish to see that in our lifetime.
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Apr 27, 2019 03:44am
IK should emphasize to Xi that Pakistan carries most burden for BRI of all countries present there despite being least equipped to do so. It's time for China to step up and make it all worthwhile for Pakistan with immediate help for more jobs and growth for Pakistan - quickly and substantially.
i
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Apr 27, 2019 03:53am
EXCELLENT, ASIAN COUNTRIES SHOULD WORK TOGETHER.
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Apr 27, 2019 03:54am
Excellent.
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Apr 27, 2019 03:54am
EXCELLENT.
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Apr 27, 2019 03:55am
Certainly very impressive Ceremony!
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Apr 27, 2019 04:15am
@Ali, sad
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Apr 27, 2019 04:40am
@M. Emad, they chose to be absent. But their students studying in Chinese scholarships in droves.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:41am
@Must learn, FLWed vision of Modi, blind in one eye.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:41am
@M. Emad, there is no initiative like it.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:43am
@Ali, alphabetical order, indian troll fool. Participation counts in OBOE, not where you stand in a photo. Juvenile comment.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:45am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, good, stay out. Keep playing petty politics. The Sri Lankan port is already running.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:46am
@Shaukat , we all will.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:47am
@Dev Mehta, it isn't China's job, it is our own.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:49am
@Shaukat , railroad already links to many European cities. More soon. While US withdrew, canceled many trade agreements. Now, a proven unreliable ally.
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Apr 27, 2019 04:50am
@Kris, breaking the WB, IMF monopolies.
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Apr 27, 2019 05:11am
@bhaRAT©, you can take the whole pie , we do not need it , free loader
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Apr 27, 2019 05:27am
Great to see an educated and honest leader representing Pakistan, after a very long time.
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Apr 27, 2019 05:41am
@M. Emad,
Let your country Bangladesh follow Chowkidaar then and stay behind!
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Apr 27, 2019 05:55am
Impressive gathering.
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Apr 27, 2019 06:16am
It is hoped that China will finally succeed in implementing the BRI Project.
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Apr 27, 2019 06:17am
This makes India very nervous.
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Apr 27, 2019 06:18am
@Must learn, He’s not needed. Modi is outclassed and Out foxed.
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Apr 27, 2019 07:20am
Belt and Road is the East India Company of 21st century.
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Apr 27, 2019 07:41am
@bhaRAT©, The same economic pie (CPEC/Srilanka Port/Malaysia) etc. that damaged local industry and automony of the client states? Thanks, we hope you find a way to pay back 80B USD starting next year, because CPEC certainly looks a failed project.
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Apr 27, 2019 07:44am
There is a lurking suspicion in China's intentions on this B&R project. Chinese are not known to be charitable, if they are spending a trillion dollars, their RoI has to be much more. By roping in deficit countries like Pakistan, clearly they want to imprison these countries in debt. The other Asian power, India, is wary and intentionally wants to be seen standing out of the designs. China will do well if they make extra efforts to remove the suspicions.
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Apr 27, 2019 07:46am
@M. Emad, about that China doesn’t give a damn because that’s India and Bangladesh loss!
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Apr 27, 2019 07:47am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, India’s Loss!
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Apr 27, 2019 08:01am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, great Kashmiri great
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Apr 27, 2019 08:05am
Very nice, beautiful pictures. Great work of China, really appreciating.
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Apr 27, 2019 08:09am
@bhaRAT©,
You can enjoy his share.
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Apr 27, 2019 08:10am
@Ali,
So finally you realised where you stand.
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Apr 27, 2019 08:28am
@Shaukat , sorry mate that want happen. USA will be the world great superpower for good . There is no comparison Asia has a long way to go to be worlds superpower.
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Apr 27, 2019 09:04am
BRI has no meaning unless it comes clean of not honoring nations sovereignty & its plan of enslaving nations under the garb of providing loans! To succeed, it has to be a co-ordinated and transparent effort by all the member countries.
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Apr 27, 2019 09:16am
@N Abidi , This is not a beauty contest, looking impressive doesn't cut. Should know how to be mature and run the economics of the country.
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Apr 27, 2019 09:40am
@M. Emad, India and Bangladesh not there? There loss.
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Apr 27, 2019 09:45am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, This is all about the national Interests, of all of 129 countries, not sure what your'e talking about. By here's a reality, all these countries won't miss India.
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Apr 27, 2019 10:39am
very nice to see world leader and also Khaan Saab but still INDIA miss and this is not good to the sole purpose of silk route . silk route always believe in All flag together in one rope . wish one day we all agree with humanity. All the very best to XI (china)
Namaste
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Apr 27, 2019 10:44am
A good way to eliminate poverty and hatred among the nations!
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Apr 27, 2019 10:46am
@LAHORI KID, Absolutely correct, All attending countries will gain like Sri Lanka gained, Malaysia gained, even Pakistan will gain.
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Apr 27, 2019 10:49am
Chinese BRI initiative will surely provide a chance for a more humane uni-polar world!!!
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Apr 27, 2019 10:53am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, Believe me China is doing wonders in entire world, even all his friends will be benefited from China, but India has its own vision & China does not fit anywhere in it. Better India should discourage import of Chinese goods in India, since India is capable enough to manufacture everything in India.
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Apr 27, 2019 10:55am
@Socrates, I am surprised why Pakistan does not understand this simple thing. Pakistan should try to grow on its own terms.
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Apr 27, 2019 10:57am
Really hope BRI brings prosperity to our country. Always great to see our Prime Minister dressed in a sherwani properly representing Pakistan in the national dress.
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Apr 27, 2019 10:58am
@American by Heart, yeah US has major share in all major international banks
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Apr 27, 2019 11:27am
@Shaukat , I think we all dream of seeing that day.
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Apr 27, 2019 12:01pm
@Byju,
Very kind of you. But stick to your word and no U-turn after!
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Apr 27, 2019 12:08pm
@Shaukat , us is imperialistic and china not?? which planet are you living in
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Apr 27, 2019 01:08pm
@M. Emad, Both India and Bsngladesh are trouble makers. Good they are OUT.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:10pm
@Ali, So is IMF chief. Somebody has to be in the corner.
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Apr 27, 2019 01:13pm
we proud of you PM IK.. you are not the leader of only Pakistan but the whole region..
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Apr 27, 2019 01:41pm
@Mazhar Malik, well said
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Apr 27, 2019 02:40pm
@Iqbal Khan , Certainly......
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Apr 27, 2019 02:40pm
Certainly.... Impressive gathering!
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Apr 27, 2019 03:02pm
Pakistan is the most crucial country in this BRI project for China . Khan should make China realize and ask for more access to Chinese markets for its goods and I ask for help to start rapid training facilities for youth and cottage industries in IT sector. Computer hardware /software , tools and cnc machines .
All the best khan and Pakistan on this Journey
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Apr 27, 2019 05:56pm
@LAHORI KID, ...."By here's a reality, all these countries won't miss India."
Except CHINA!
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Apr 27, 2019 06:32pm
@Mazhar Malik, Our Opposition is repeating Imran's history.
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Apr 27, 2019 07:47pm
Indians and Bangla Deshis must be embarrassed not to see their countries represented in such a formidable gathering of World
Leaders?
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Apr 27, 2019 09:47pm
Without indias blessing this will surely fail
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Apr 27, 2019 09:48pm
Where is worlds largest economy and fastest growing economy? Both absent
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Apr 27, 2019 09:48pm
China is now getting desperate
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Apr 27, 2019 11:07pm
The future is Asian.
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Apr 28, 2019 01:05am
@Must learn, India must start to behave like a regional neighbor.
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Apr 28, 2019 01:23am
@fairplay, donot Ignite hatred and push Modi to join belt and road.it will bring your own loss.by the way did you apply loan to pay interest for belt and road.
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Apr 28, 2019 01:24am
@Art kp , did you paid interest for the loan taken for belt and road...you are defaulting.take one more loan.
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Apr 28, 2019 02:22am
@Kris, And Chinese are no fools. They are the proverbial shylock of this century to date. It will a different story next decade.
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Apr 28, 2019 02:26am
@Dev Mehta, China is not Oxfam or Save the Chidden! These initiatives are not for charity but for Chinese economic, social and military supremacy. If you think otherwise then sadly you are mistaken. There is no such thing as a free banquet.
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Apr 28, 2019 05:39am
its great to all leaders together
today i was reading Belt and Road Forum at www.csstimes.pk
and got it complete now
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Apr 28, 2019 03:05pm
If pakistan is so important, then why is imran khan not standing next to Xi?
Egyptian president is in the first row, and so is Malaysian PM -- why was imran khan pushed back to the second row / nowhere near Xi?
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Apr 28, 2019 03:21pm
@Jamil Soomro, New York City,
"Indians and Bangla Deshis must be embarrassed not to see their countries represented in such a formidable gathering of World Leaders?"
pakistanis must be embarrassed to see their leader relegated to the second row of the main photograph despite pakistanis perpetually heaping praise on china and bri
pakistanis must be embarrassed of their first lady as she is conspicuously missing from he photograph too -- is imran khan too embarrassed of her preferred wardrobe?
Indian Prime Minister Modi Ji only goes where true global leaders are present -- like President Trump, Prime Minister May, Chancellor Merkel, President Macron ...... you know, true global leaders.
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Apr 28, 2019 03:38pm
Big brother did not place small brother in the front row.
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Apr 28, 2019 04:23pm
Where is the kaptaan?
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Apr 28, 2019 05:53pm
China is the rising world power while west is in decline. Indians making a big mistake by siding with the losing tide. It would have been good for the region if China, India and Pakistan could come together for the regional connectivity and prosperity. Indians need time to understand this. and it is difficult for them to digest but that is the reality of the situation
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Apr 28, 2019 05:57pm
@A shah, Well we shall findout in due course, wont we. Till last year Indians were predicting that nobody will join this project and now 120 odd countries are already in.
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Apr 28, 2019 06:52pm
Niwaz government signed in a hurry without doing all the cost benefit and risk analysis. The second phase of CPEC is about to start, we should take a and eradicated poverty pause and see how much befits have trickled down to masses—-an avowed goal of it, otherwise we would enslave our children for next 100 years. Foreign policies are made to serve the self interest of the countries, here is is exclusively made to extend Chinese interests.
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Apr 28, 2019 09:04pm
@Human, very well said
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Apr 28, 2019 10:52pm
@Just Saying, Don't worry about india. Modi will probably go there for a one on one meeting.
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Apr 28, 2019 11:11pm
@M. Emad, Bangladesh may be absent from the Conference but in principle it is part of the OBOR venture ..... and possibly it is cautiously weighing the cost of participation and sensibly not rushing into things.
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Apr 28, 2019 11:58pm
@Shwetanshu Acharya, Forbidden grapes are sour!
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Apr 29, 2019 01:36am
@Rahim Indian kashmiri,Srinagar, , you are on the dot. Just one thing the leaders of the participating countries have to remember , there is no such thing as a free lunch.
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Apr 29, 2019 01:49am
@fairplay, It's no longer Sri Lankan port, not for the next 100 years. It is a Chinese overseas port, any profits from it goes to China .
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Apr 29, 2019 03:38am
To every one here commenting on India with all respect.... India doesn’t need to be a part of the BRI. China and India already share 4200 kms of border and the Eastern ports of India are much closer to the Chinese production hubs. Secondly for access to Central Europe India has all the access through sea routes from its western ports.
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Apr 29, 2019 05:50am
@bhaRAT©, Indian 'Chowkidar' left this 'pie' for Khan.
He need it much more than anyone else.
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Apr 29, 2019 06:11am
@Ali, it does not matter where he stands. I will recount a true story for you. The chairman of Seagrams once arrived late for the board meeting, so he sat at a chair in the corner of the room, so as not to disturb the meeting. A young aide rushed to him and said : " But sir, your seat is at the head of the table". to which he replied,
" Young man, where I sit is the head of the table".
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Apr 29, 2019 06:31am
Being a self centred communist country you need to be careful, things can change pretty fast!
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Apr 29, 2019 07:37am
@bhaRAT©, Stop blabbering nonsense. Pakistan is in serious debt to China which it cannot repay without an IMF bail out. Sri Lanka had to lease out 900 hectares around the port of Hambantota because it could not repay China. Maldives had to lease out Finholo island to China because it could not repay. Malaysia has similar repayment problem, has pulled out of BRI.
Wise move India. Do not become a colony of China, an economic slave!
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Apr 29, 2019 08:42am
Proud of India..one of few to dare stand for it's own welfare!
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Apr 29, 2019 08:44am
If you spend just tens of seconds you will find Mr Imran Khan in picture.
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Apr 29, 2019 09:36am
Bigots like Suu Kyi should not be given such a platform.
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Apr 29, 2019 11:15am
@Shaukat , "China is taking away the US imperialistic limelight away in the World's arena. If China plays her card right in economics, trade and defence, the glory of the US will be faded away slowly slowly in the oblivion. I only wish to see that in our lifetime."
Going by yr history,you will get into a fight with China also at some point,so even if US fades as you believe you wont like China"s rise.
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Apr 29, 2019 12:00pm
Many have commented that India has been left out. Leave your prejudice behind and think. What is in it for India?? India has a huge coastal line and will benefit a lot of they further develop their ports. Also they don't need foreign funding that might jeopardize their economy. Participating is like bringing the dragon to the doorstep. US companies have requested India to facilitate shifting of their manufacturing base from China to India. This is what China wants to avoid by making India a party to BRI and that will not happen.
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Apr 29, 2019 01:15pm
World leaders? or 3rd-world leaders?
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Apr 29, 2019 01:40pm
soon all the supporting countries realize that they need to repay heavy loans
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Apr 30, 2019 06:34am
@bhaRAT©, I don’t see Modi in the picture
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Apr 30, 2019 07:28am
India is isolated to its past.
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Apr 30, 2019 09:52am
@Kris, and resultantly China wants their ports
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Apr 30, 2019 10:59pm
@Jamil Soomro, New York City, no. We are good.
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May 01, 2019 06:40am
nice pictures
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