Chilean President Sebastian Pinera positioned the Belt and Road initiative as a bulwark against protectionism in a speech at the project’s second forum in Beijing on Thursday.
Without naming names, Pinera said some of the “main and original proponents” of free trade were calling it into question.
“The Belt and Road initiative is an opportunity for all of us in these circumstances to strengthen our commitment and honour that commitment with collaboration and a multilateral approach.”
The Chilean president also outlined plans for his country to become the port of entry for Asia in Latin America.
The Belt and Road initiative is a large-scale infrastructure project which aims to expand global trade. The plan, launched in 2013, seeks to revive the Silk Road between Asia and Europe as well as building new links in the Middle East, Africa and South America.
Leaders from 37 countries and dozens of officials are due to attend the three-day summit, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and the heads of state of all 10 ASEAN (Association of South-east Asian Nation) members.