In a grandiose display of diplomacy and international cooperation, President Xi Jinping is set to host a banquet at the Great Hall of the People tonight to welcome foreign leaders and guests attending the third International Cooperation Forum on the Belt and Road Initiative. The event has generated significant buzz on Chinese social media platforms including Weibo, where netizens have shared their excitement and anticipation for the high-profile gathering.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was among the first to arrive at the Great Hall of the People, as indicated by footage shared by various Weibo users. The handshake between the two leaders on arrival has become a hot topic of discussion, with many expressing their admiration for the strong bond between China and Russia.

"President Putin's visit to Beijing is a testament to the deepening friendship between our nations," commented one netizen on Weibo. "The handshake between President Xi and President Putin was like a warm embrace, reflecting the spirit of cooperation that will be fostered at this forum."

As the third session of the International Cooperation Summit Forum kicks off, netizens have been sharing updates via video clips and images on Weibo. The arrival of international figures has sparked excitement among Chinese citizens, with some expressing their pride in China's role as a global leader in international cooperation.

"Seeing these foreign leaders arrive at our Great Hall of the People reminds me of how much influence and respect China commands on the world stage," said another netizen. "It's truly inspiring to witness this Belt and Road Forum unfold."

However, not all reactions have been positive. Some Weibo users have expressed concern over potential environmental repercussions from the ambitious infrastructure projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiative. "While international cooperation is important, we must also be mindful of the environmental impact of these massive projects," warned one user.

Despite this, the majority of netizens seem to be largely optimistic about the benefits that could arise from the summit and the Belt and Road Initiative. The banquet tonight is seen as a symbolic gesture towards fostering stronger ties between nations and promoting collaboration for mutual prosperity.

"As we welcome these leaders at our Great Hall of the People, let's hope that this forum will open up new avenues for cooperation and development," said another netizen, echoing the sentiment of many others on Weibo. "Let's work together towards a brighter future!"

In conclusion, the third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum has generated significant buzz on Chinese social media platforms, with users sharing updates, expressing their admiration for the strong bond between China and Russia, and raising concerns over environmental impact. Despite some inflammatory remarks about potential negative repercussions, the majority of netizens remain optimistic about the benefits that could arise from this high-profile gathering at the Great Hall of the People tonight.