The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today, Thursday, that "China will hold the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in the capital Beijing in October." Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated, "The tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative is also an important platform for all parties to discuss and develop high-level cooperation under the initiative." He added, "China is in communication with all parties regarding preparations for the forum and will announce related information in a timely manner." China launched the Belt and Road Initiative, a global strategic initiative for infrastructure development, ten years ago to connect Asia, Africa, and Europe by land and sea.