Beijing, April 25, 2025 – The Europe Today: Amid a turbulent global landscape, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday called for joint efforts to uphold the international economic and trade order during a meeting in Beijing with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized that China and Switzerland, as steadfast advocates of multilateralism and free trade, must work together to counter rising anti-globalization sentiments, defend the legitimate rights and interests of all nations, and uphold the fundamental norms of international relations.
“We must never allow the law of the jungle to govern the world again,” Wang said, highlighting the importance of solidarity and cooperation in resisting global fragmentation.
Noting that Switzerland was one of the first Western nations to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, Wang praised the longstanding relationship between the two countries. Over the past 75 years, he said, both sides have nurtured a cooperative spirit grounded in mutual respect, equality, innovation, and win-win outcomes.
Looking to the future, Wang called on both nations to sustain high-level exchanges, transcend differences, and deepen collaboration across multiple sectors. He urged acceleration of talks on upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and advocated for greater use of established dialogue mechanisms to build consensus and foster new areas of cooperation.
Wang also welcomed increased Swiss investment in China and expressed hope that Switzerland would continue to offer an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Wang proposed a joint series of cultural and commemorative activities, including initiatives under the “China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism.” He encouraged enhanced collaboration in science and technology, education, and the humanities to promote stronger people-to-people ties.
Foreign Minister Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland’s strategic and holistic view of its relations with China and expressed his country’s willingness to strengthen cooperation in a pragmatic and rational manner.
He conveyed Switzerland’s readiness to advance high-level exchanges, expedite the FTA upgrade negotiations, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation across a broad range of fields. Cassis underscored that, in today’s challenging international environment, nations must unite to defend multilateralism, protect free trade, and uphold an international order based on the rule of law.
Switzerland, he noted, is committed to deepening communication with China to collectively tackle global challenges.
The two ministers also held comprehensive discussions on key international and regional issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and the evolving situation in the Middle East, reflecting their shared interest in promoting peace and stability worldwide.
