China and Switzerland have conducted their first round of the Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Swiss counterpart Ignazio Cassis attended a press briefing after their meeting. They expressed a willingness to protect free trade and to oppose protectionism. Both sides agreed to sign a memorandum regarding the Belt & Road Initiative.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "I appreciate Foreign Minister Cassis' positive attitude toward the Belt & Road Initiative. First of all, the initiative is an open, inclusive and transparent proposal that focuses on the development of different countries. Countries are able to deepen exchanges on various levels and achieve win-win cooperation. Secondly, the Belt & Road Initiative will follow current international standards and rules. If we do not abide by such rules, we will not be able to carry out any cooperative projects. Thirdly, since the initiative is an economic one, it will be regulated by the market. Enterprises will play a crucial role as we push it forward."

Both ministers also praised the positive developments on the Korean Peninsula. When taking questions from the media, Wang said China has always proposed to solve the Korean Peninsula issues through dialogue, and will continue to support inter-Korean interactions that will ease tensions. Wang also said China hopes the DPRK-US summit could be held as expected.