The "Belt and Road" forum in Beijing next week is a test case to see whether China can attract partners in its proposed trading route, four years after the initiative was first announced, an analyst said Wednesday.

Peking University Professor Jaime FlorCruz also said that for President Rodrigo Duterte, who is set to attend the meeting along with other world leaders, the challenge would be to be able to negotiate a deal where the Philippines can benefit from the massive infrastructure push along the so-called "Modern Silk Road" without compromising national interest.

Watch his full interview with ANC's Early Edition here.