Chinese, Swiss foreign ministers hold second strategic dialogue
Updated 16:13, 23-Oct-2019
CGTN

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Berne on Tuesday for the second strategic dialogue of the Sino-Swiss diplomatic relations.

The two foreign ministers applauded the strengthening of diplomatic and economic relations between their countries.

The two countries will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relationship in 2020, and both sides should take the chance to strengthen non-governmental exchange, Wang said.

Speaking at a press conference after the dialogue, Wang noted China's intention to expand bilateral cooperation in finance, investment, and technology, while continuing to strengthen mutual political trust.

Wang commended on the bilateral relationship, saying it has developed soundly based on equality, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.

Wang pointed out that China has sped up the openness of its banking, securities, and insurance sectors, and last year Chinese securities regulator gave approval for USB Group to hold the majority stake in its securities joint venture, making it the first foreign bank to take control.

Wang stressed that China would protect intellectual property rights and act in accordance with market rules.

Wang also called on efforts to defend multilateralism and open and free trade.

Wang Yi shakes hands with President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer in Berne, Switzerland, October 22, 2019. /Photo via Chinese Foreign Ministry

Wang Yi shakes hands with President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer in Berne, Switzerland, October 22, 2019. /Photo via Chinese Foreign Ministry

Responding to a reporter's question on U.S. criticisms, Wang said China's always adhered to multilateralism and win-win cooperation and will continue to open its market and create a fair and transparent investment environment.

China does not bully other countries, nor interfere in their domestic affairs, he said. Instead, the country adapts and becomes part of the globalization and efforts on sustainable development, he added.

Some politicians alleged China sets up "debt traps" and accused it of violating human rights and breaking the rule of law, but these attacks and abuses are totally groundless, Wang said.

On his side, Cassis said Switzerland highly values the Belt and Road Initiative and intends to explore more high-quality projects under the framework. Switzerland wants to work with China in upholding the UN-centered international order and international system, he said.

After meeting with Cassis, Wang also met President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer to discuss bilateral ties.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also introduced Wang's visit, stating that the two sides will jointly promote bilateral cooperation and shape the relations a pioneer for China-Europe relations, spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The two sides believe that the Belt and Road Initiative will bridge the two peoples, bring more opportunities, and benefit both countries, noted Hua.

According to her, they also exchanged views on issues related to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which Wang reiterated are China's internal affairs and allow no foreign interference.

The foreign minister then introduced the truth and China's stance to the Swiss side, and both agreed to conduct dialogue and cooperation in various fields including human rights, Hua added.

(Cover: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi shakes hands with Swiss Federal Councilor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis for the second China-Switzerland Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Berne, Switzerland, October 22, 2019. /Photo via Chinese Foreign Ministry)