Xi Jinping meets Swiss President Parmelin to strengthen innovation

On the afternoon of October 30, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Swiss Federal President Parmelin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xinhua News Agency reported.

Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing

President Xi stated during the meeting that Switzerland stands as an important European partner for China, noting that Swiss cooperation with Beijing consistently leads among European nations. In an environment shaped by unilateralism and protectionism, free trade cooperation remains a defining feature of bilateral ties, according to Xinhua. Xi noted that the two economies advance when connected and retreat when closed, expressing China’s readiness to work with Switzerland in upholding open cooperation and promoting inclusive economic globalization.

The bilateral relationship has been built on mutual respect and pioneering efforts since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Xi observed. He emphasized that China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and expanding institutional opening-up. Both nations should strengthen innovation partnerships, focusing on emerging industries including the digital economy, green energy storage, and artificial intelligence, to build resilient supply chains.

President Parmelin recounted that Switzerland remains proud of being among the first Western nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China, which established a lasting partnership. Parmelin pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Switzerland-China innovative strategic partnership, noting that the two sides completed negotiations on upgrading their free trade agreement in a short period. Parmelin reaffirmed Switzerland’s firm adherence to the one-China policy.

China and Switzerland Sign Upgraded Free Trade Protocol

Following their discussions, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of an upgraded protocol for the China-Switzerland free trade agreement, alongside multiple cooperation documents covering scientific research, labor employment, and media. Wang Yi participated in the events at the Great Hall of the People.

Ahead of the leaders’ meeting, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed reporters in Beijing regarding the visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced. Guo stated that Switzerland was the earliest continental European country to sign a free trade agreement with China, noting that the agreement has actively promoted bilateral economic and commercial exchanges for over a decade. In August, Switzerland became the first European nation to conclude negotiations on upgrading its free trade agreement with China.

China Advocates for Stable Global Supply Chains

During the Foreign Ministry press briefing, the discussion also touched upon broader European trade stances. Responding to questions regarding remarks by Merz in Singapore concerning strategic autonomy and reduced unilateral dependencies, Guo stated that China consistently advocates for open cooperation and stability in global supply chains. Guo added that Chinese and European economies are mutually complementary and expressed hope that European partners will maintain an objective perspective to foster predictable cooperation.

The updated free trade protocol and accompanying cooperation documents signed in Beijing build upon a framework that first took effect more than a decade ago.