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China’s Belt and Road two-day forum concluded in Beijing Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin making a rare international appearance.

Putin praised the initiative as a platform for international cooperation, where “no one imposes anything on others.” But Western leaders aren’t so sure.

Some critics, including the US, fear the vast infrastructure initiative is merely a Trojan horse for China-led regional development, global influence, and military expansion. Western leaders are moving to reduce dependence on the Chinese economy.

But Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against decoupling from China.

Over 130 countries were represented at the forum, where almost $100 billion worth of cooperation projects were signed.