Xi pledges US$2b for new development fund for poor countries

New York

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

Mr Xi's announcement, made in his first address to the United Nations, follows longstanding 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 Mr Xi on a trip that has included a White House sta…