Top economist lauds China's engagement

China is playing an important role on the world stage by championing big ideas, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, said Erik Berglof, director of the London School of Economics' Institute of Global Affairs.

Such initiatives lead to "sincere engagement with parts of the world that have not seen so much investment", said Berglof, who has also worked as chief economist and special adviser to the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Berglof was speaking ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which sets the strategic direction for the country and selects its leaders.