China and Switzerland deepen strategic partnership

During the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025, Ding met with Karin Keller-Sutter, president of the Swiss Confederation and head of the Federal Department of Finance, and held talks with Guy Parmelin, vice president of the Federal Council and head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research.

Ding highlighted Switzerland’s early recognition of the People’s Republic of China and their exemplary bilateral relationship built on mutual respect and win-win cooperation despite differing social systems and development stages. He recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2017 visit to Switzerland, which elevated ties between the two nations, and called for implementing the leaders’ consensus to further deepen political trust and cooperation.

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Ding urged both countries to uphold the spirit of “equality, innovation, and win-win,” maintain high-level exchanges, and develop mutual understanding. He emphasized strengthening complementarity, upgrading the free trade agreement, and fostering new areas of cooperation in innovation, life sciences, AI, and green technology.

Ding also called for enhanced financial connectivity and people-to-people exchanges, highlighting Switzerland’s unique role as a neutral country and host to international organizations. He expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with Switzerland on multilateral affairs and global issues, contributing to genuine multilateralism and building a shared future for humanity.

Keller-Sutter reaffirmed Switzerland’s friendship with China and commitment to celebrating their 75th anniversary and the Switzerland-China Year of Culture and Tourism. She emphasized the mutual benefits of free trade and Switzerland’s readiness to strengthen practical cooperation with China, particularly through an upgraded free trade agreement.

Parmelin praised the complementary advantages of Switzerland and China, emphasizing collaboration in innovation, finance, education, and vocational training. He expressed Switzerland’s willingness to enhance communication, address global challenges jointly, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges to deepen bilateral ties.