China seeks to enhance free-trade negotiations with Switzerland.

China seeks to enhance free-trade negotiations with Switzerland.

In a move to bolster its trade relations, China has expressed its intent to strengthen free-trade negotiations with Switzerland. This comes amidst ongoing global tensions surrounding trade policies and the potential isolation of China's economy by its trading partners.

According to a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the country is committed to pursuing fair and just trade practices. The spokesperson emphasized that China respects all parties' rights to resolve economic and trade differences through consultations on an equal footing. This stance is a direct response to reports that the US plans to use tariff negotiations to pressure its trading partners into limiting their dealings with China in exchange for reductions in US trade and tariff barriers [1].

The Wall Street Journal reported the Trump administration's plans on April 15, stating that the idea is to extract commitments from US trading partners to isolate China’s economy in exchange for reductions in trade and tariff barriers imposed by the White House. China's response has been firm, with the spokesperson noting that appeasement behavior will not bring peace and that pursuing self-serving interests at the expense of others is akin to making a pact with the tiger [1].

In the face of these challenges, China is determined to safeguard its rights and interests. The spokesperson stressed that China will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner if any party strikes a deal at the expense of the Chinese side. This resolve underscores China's commitment to international justice and the multilateral trading system [1].

China's efforts to enhance free-trade negotiations with Switzerland are part of a broader strategy to strengthen solidarity and coordination with other trading partners. This approach aims to resist unilateral bullying and protect legitimate rights and interests in the face of global protectionism and unilateralism [1].

The ongoing negotiations with Switzerland are expected to focus on areas such as trade facilitation, market access, and investment protection. China hopes that these talks will lead to a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship, contributing to the overall stability and growth of the global economy.

References:
[1] https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332519.shtml