China’s best-known philanthropist, Chen Guangbiao, has become the first of the country’s wealthy moguls to commit to giving away his money in response to Bill Gates and Warren Buffett’s Giving Pledge, according to the Associated Press and the English edition of China’s state-run People’s Daily.

In a letter to Mr. Gates and Mr. Buffett posted on the Web site of his company, which focuses on renewable resources and recycling, Mr. Guangbiao pledged his estimated $440-million fortune to charity upon his death. “This is my present to welcome your gentlemen’s charity meeting in Beijing,” Mr. Chen wrote.

The Americans will go to China this month to promote philanthropy among the country’s emerging class of rich magnates.

Although Mr. Gates has said they will not lobby Chinese billionaires to sign the Giving Pledge, concerns about being buttonholed to donate have reportedly dampened interest in a Beijing banquet he and Mr. Buffett will host, with only two of 50 wealthy Chinese business leaders so far confirming their attendance.