Xi Jinping Convenes Beijing Forum to Promote China's Global Vision amid Economic Challenges

Xi Jinping gathering world leaders in Beijing for forum to promote China's role in economic development and expand global influence.

Attendees include leaders from 140+ countries, but top Western leaders likely absent. Signals future path for Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi pitching China's vision as alternative to US-led liberal world order amid global instability. Seeks backing from developing nations.

Forum comes as China faces economic challenges at home and perceived efforts to contain its rise.

Next stage of Belt and Road to shift toward more environmentally sustainable, vetted projects with potentially less financing than initial decade.