Chinese President’s trip to Switzerland focuses on bilateral relations

World Today

Chinese President Xi Jinping is getting ready for his state visit to Switzerland, with the goal to deepen European ties.

Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to establish formal relations with the People’s Republic.

Xi’s trip starts in Zurich and ends in Geneva and the jam-packed schedule  includes the World Economic Forum.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman reports.

President Xi’s state visit to Switzerland will focus on bilateral relations, emphasizing trade and innovation.

In an article Xi wrote for a Swiss newspaper, he praised the close relationship between the two countries.

Xi’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos will be truly historic. It’s the first time a Chinese President will attend the annual event.

The forum comes after the Brexit vote and the U.S. presidential election of Donald Trump, as many countries are looking inward.

Xi is expected to describe two paths: populism and protectionism that leads to war and poverty vs. his vision of globalization that leads to peace, development and cooperation.

After Davos, President Xi will travel to Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee, then to Geneva for meetings at the U.N. and the World Health Organization.