In a notable effort to strengthen their partnership, China and Switzerland have formalized a joint declaration, signifying a mutual commitment to deepen collaboration. Premier Li Qiang, the most senior Chinese official to visit Switzerland since President Xi Jinping's 2017 trip, engaged in discussions with Swiss President Viola Amherd and a distinguished Chinese delegation ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The joint declaration outlines plans for finalizing a joint study aimed at enhancing their existing free trade agreement. The Swiss government sees this as a pivotal step towards potential negotiations, highlighting sustained efforts to fortify economic ties between the two nations. China currently holds the position of Switzerland's third-largest trading partner, following the United States and the European Union. Notably, the initial free trade agreement was signed in 2013, marking China's first such deal with a continental European economy.
Previous attempts to update the agreement faced challenges, reportedly linked to concerns about China's human rights record. However, the joint declaration now sets the stage for renewed discussions, with a dialogue between the Swiss and Chinese foreign ministries set to resume this year. Importantly, these discussions will encompass human rights considerations.
The meeting between Premier Li and President Amherd, held in an 18th-century manor house near Bern, covered a range of global issues, emphasizing the constructive nature of discussions and the commitment to advancing their trade relationship. The evolving dynamics in China-Switzerland diplomatic and economic ties continue to be closely monitored.
