Act, not just talk

The successful hosting of the expo is only one piece of evidence of China's commitment to practicing multilateralism.

"To put into practice the principle of multilateralism, we must act, not just talk," Xi said when addressing a high-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United Nations in September.

China has for long been making relentless efforts to expand opening-up. Over the past three years, the CIIEs hosted by China have grown into a top trading platform to promote global free trade. Apart from the CIIE, China has also been hosting a series of major trade events including the 63-year-old Canton Fair and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

Over the past five years, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank initiated by China has provided about 20 billion dollars for projects of its members.

Over the past seven years, the Belt and Road Initiative has successfully transformed from a vision into actions and reality, growing into a major platform of international cooperation.

"When the world economic landscape has undergone profound changes, and we feel the Chinese government's determination and power of action to promote continuous improvement in the business environment and create market opportunities," said Anna Pawlak-Kuliga, CEO and president of IKEA China.

In a nutshell, China has always been a loyal supporter and practitioner of multilateralism.

Just as Xi said when addressing this year's CIIE opening ceremony, "big countries need to lead by example, major economies need to act on sound principles, and developing countries need to play an active part in promoting opening up and sharing responsibilities."

"It is by working together that we will advance common development of our world," he added.