China and Switzerland advance trade, innovation and multilateral cooperation following presidential meeting in Beijing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Swiss President Guy Parmelin on the afternoon of 30 October 2026 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during Parmelin’s working visit to China. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, trade and investment, technological innovation and multilateral cooperation, with both leaders expressing their commitment to expanding economic ties and supporting free trade.
President Xi described Switzerland as an important partner of China in Europe, noting that bilateral cooperation had consistently ranked among the strongest in the region. He highlighted free trade as a defining feature of China-Switzerland relations, particularly amid growing unilateralism and protectionism.
“Economies prosper together if they stay connected, and fall behind when they shut themselves off,” President Xi said. He expressed China’s readiness to work with Switzerland to promote openness, inclusive economic globalisation and greater certainty in China-Europe economic and trade cooperation.
President Xi also highlighted the two countries’ longstanding commitment to equality, innovation and mutually beneficial cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations. He called for greater exchanges at various levels, improved policy coordination and closer cooperation in emerging sectors, including the digital economy, green energy storage and artificial intelligence.
He further encouraged Switzerland to use its position in Europe to support balanced and steady growth in China-Europe trade. Both countries, he said, should deepen multilateral coordination, uphold the United Nations-centred international system and support international law as the foundation of the global order.
President Parmelin recalled Switzerland’s position as one of the first Western countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China, describing the relationship as a longstanding and dynamic partnership. He highlighted cooperation in trade and investment, scientific innovation, labour and employment, as well as continued high-level exchanges.
Referring to the 10th anniversary of the Switzerland-China innovative strategic partnership, President Parmelin welcomed the conclusion of negotiations to upgrade the bilateral free trade agreement. He said the agreement reflected mutual trust, addressed the expectations of businesses and stakeholders in both countries, and would provide new momentum for bilateral relations.
President Parmelin also reiterated Switzerland’s commitment to the one-China policy and expressed its readiness to work with China in upholding multilateralism and free trade.
Following the meeting, the two presidents witnessed the signing of the Protocol Enhancing the Free Trade Agreement between China and Switzerland, alongside other cooperation documents covering labour and employment, scientific research and media.
Source: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Singapore
