Chinese President Xi Jinping pledges $2 billion to poor

United Nations

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday pledged $2 billion for a new development fund for poor countries on a UN visit aimed at showcasing Beijing's growing global role.

Xi's announcement, made in his first-ever address to the United Nations, follows long-standing criticism from the United States and other developed countries that China has not taken responsibilities in line with its aspirations for a greater global role.

The speech is the latest high-profile move for Xi on a trip that has included a White House state visit and will see him chair a UN forum on women's rights on Sunday.

Addressing a UN summit on development, Xi said China would act "by putting justice before interests and joining other countries in a concerted effort to realize the post-2015 agenda."

Xi said that China would launch an assistance fund for developing countries with an initial investment of $2 billion.

The Chinese leader said that his country would also step up investment in UN-defined least developed countries - which are mostly in Africa - by at least $12 billion by 2030.

China has been an increasingly active investor around the world, although it has generally focused on seeking resources rather than broader humanitarian goals.

In January, Xi promised $250 billion in investment over 10 years in Latin America, which the United States has long considered its sphere of influence.

Xi said that China would also relieve debts owed by least developed countries this year. He did not provide a figure on the debts or say which countries would be affected.

The United Nations on Friday set a goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030, an effort that the global body says could require up to $5 trillion a year.