China and Switzerland upgrade trade deal

· Trade · China · Switzerland

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swiss President Guy Parmelin met in Beijing on Friday and hailed an upgraded trade agreement that boosts access, one of the most favourable deals Beijing has granted a European country and a counterpoint to a broader global shift toward protectionism. Xi also called for improved economic cooperation with the EU. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Beijing for talks with Xi, stressed the need for China to help preserve the international order, and both presidents called for a more equitable and stable system of global governance.

Why it matters：The deal signals Beijing's push to keep European trade channels open as protectionism rises and ties with Washington stay tense.

Key points

  • Xi and Parmelin met in Beijing on Friday
  • The upgraded deal boosts access for Switzerland
  • Xi also called for stronger economic cooperation with the EU

Sources (original reporting)

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