Exclusive - China seeks to cement globalisation credentials at Silk Road summit

SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) - China says its Silk Road initiative is helping create "a new era of globalisation" open to all, according to a draft communique for a summit next month on the project, as Beijing burnishes its free trade credentials amid protectionist forces elsewhere.

Leaders from 28 countries will attend the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on May 14-15, an event orchestrated to promote Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of expanding links between Asia, Africa and Europe underpinned by billions of dollars in infrastructure investment.