Foreign Ministry spokesperson for China Hua Chunying revealed the developments of the China-Switzerland relationship with regards to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
She contends parties reached a consensus that serves as a bridge for China-Europe relations involving finance, investment, environmental protection, trade, and innovation projects.
State Councilor Wang Yi met with President Ueli Maurer and co-chaired with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis for the second round of negotiations this week.
Both countries focused on the Swiss side and reached an important consensus that further develops an innovative strategic partnership.
Cassis highlighted that the China-Switzerland relationship is developing further towards success marking their deal as a front-runner in China's initiatives with other European countries. The Swiss also noted that they support the proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initially introduced by President Xi. According to Council of Foreign Affairs, this is China's most ambitious infrastructure investment yet.
The Swiss believe that the BRI would improve the quality of major opportunities in cross-country dealings and nurture the political trust they have developed with China in terms of environmental protection, innovation, finance, trade, and investment.
The consensus involves welcoming China in Switzerland for investment purposes. The latter believes that China is a stronghold for worldwide peace and prosperity and wants to enhance communication with one of the Big Five countries of the United Nations.
Hence, the regional and international affairs of China would be entertained in Switzerland by virtue of multilateralism and free trade, as per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.
The issue of human rights was also raised. Councilor Wang revealed to the Swiss that the Hong Kong and Xinjiang human rights violations issues were internal affairs that do not welcome foreign interference. Wang also added that the relationship between Switzerland and China would further be more advantageous to both parties if both would respect each other on an equal footing.
After negotiations, the Swiss admired China for its achievements for the past 70 years. They also acknowledged China's readiness in engaging in further negotiations concerning human rights.
In the meantime, both countries have agreed to enhance their communicative processes, welcome investments from China into Switzerland, and observe multilateralism and free trade in their further affairs.
