The 2014 Boao Forum for Asia kicked off Tuesday on the southern Chinese island of Hainan. The theme of this year’s event is “Exploring Asia: Identifying New Growth Drivers.”
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will deliver a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on Thursday. Nine foreign leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, are also expected to speak briefly during the ceremony.
Chinese researcher Yao Wang spoke Tuesday on the purpose the event.
“The [goal] is to further exercise the influence of the forum. At the same time, we will seek ways of cooperating and working more closely together in Asia based on the latest situation in Asia and the world,” said Yao.
Taiwan’s former Vice President Vincent Siew will attend in his capacity as the honorary chairman of the Cross-straits Common Market Foundation. Siew is scheduled to arrive in Hainan on Wednesday and meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Thursday afternoon.