Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday promoted  Beijing's initiative to build ports and other infrastructure to African  leaders as a tool for “common prosperity” in a world facing challenges  from trade protectionism.

Speaking to businesspeople ahead of a conference with dozens of  African leaders, Xi said the “Belt and Road” initiative will expand  markets.

 He tried to mollify concern Beijing wants to build strategic  influence, promising Chinese investment comes with “no political  strings attached.”

 “Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. Economic growth  lacks robust drive,” said Xi in a speech. “China-Africa cooperation  under the BRI is a way to common prosperity that brings benefits  to both our peoples.”   African and other Asian leaders have welcomed “Belt and Road” but  some projects have prompted complaints about debt and other problems.

The initiative involves hundreds of projects, most of them built by Chinese contractors and financed by loans from Chinese state-owned  banks, across an arc of 65 countries from the South Pacific through  Asia to Africa and the Middle East.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation brings together leaders from  China and more than 50 African countries. Dozens of African leaders  met with Xi ahead of the conference.

Xi made no mention of the political and debt concerns that overshadow some “Belt and Road” projects.

 But Chinese officials previously have  rejected accusations that projects leave host countries too deeply  indebted to Chinese lenders.