Chinese President Xi Jinping is slated to attend the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, from Jan. 17 to 20. Xi's attendance would assume special importance, considering that he is the first Chinese president to attend the annual economic meeting.  

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday confirmed Xi's attendance at the 47th World Economic Forum, where prominent CEOs, political leaders, and think tanks would brainstorm together over wide range of global economic issues.

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Welcoming Xi's widely expected attendance, WEF executive chairman, Klaus Schwab, said that he is expecting the Chinese leader to show how his country can take a "responsive and responsible leadership role" at a time when the world is passing through a critical time in its history.

According to reports, the Chinese president will lead a huge delegation of well-known Chinese executives that would include billionaires like Jack Ma, Wang Jianlin, Zhang Yaqin, and Sun Yafang.

Analysts claimed that Xi would go all out to convince leaders assembled at the WEF that China is "a champion of globalization." They argued that Xi's promotional efforts make sense, with China and the rest of the world getting ready to brace the post-Trump era.     

US President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on Jan. 20, was particularly harsh on China's alleged protectionism and unfair trade practices during his campaign trail. He had labelled China as a "job thief" and "currency manipulator."     

Trump, however, would not be attending this year's World Economic Forum due to diplomatic protocol. The U.S would be represented by Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, who are set to leave their respective offices along with President Barack Obama within few days.

President Xi, during his five day visit to Switzerland, is also expected to visit United Nations offices in Geneva.       

TagsXi Jinping, Chinese President XI, World Economic Forum, WEF, china