Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off 2026 with a diplomatic gesture, congratulating Guy Parmelin on his recent assumption of the Swiss presidency. The move highlights Beijing’s commitment to strengthening ties with European partners this year.
In his message, Xi emphasized the ‘long-standing friendship’ between China and Switzerland, recalling their 2014 free trade agreement that’s boosted bilateral commerce by 42% over the past decade. With Switzerland remaining a key hub for Asian-European tech collaboration, analysts predict fresh partnerships in blockchain and green energy could emerge this year.
Young professionals are watching closely: “Swiss innovation meets Chinese scale – that’s where the magic happens,” says Geneva-based startup founder Léa Dubois, 28. Meanwhile, travel influencers are already trending #AlpineSilkRoad after Parmelin’s climate-focused agenda gained traction in Beijing.
As night falls on January 1st, this exchange sets the tone for cross-continental diplomacy in 2026. Next stop? All eyes are on the World Economic Forum in Davos later this month 🏔️💼.
