Chinese President Xi Jinping started his four-day state visit to the Swiss Confederation on January 15. During the trip, he will attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in 2017, visit the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), the World Health Organization and the International Olympic Committee.

Xi's trip is the opening of Beijing's diplomatic visits for 2017, which is of great significance to guide China's diplomacy for this year. It has attracted much global attention.

It is the first state visit to Switzerland by a Chinese president in the 21st century. It is Beijng's major diplomatic event in Europe and the whole world. It is of great significance to deepen China-Swiss innovative strategic partnership and promote cooperation between China and Europe.

And meanwhile, President Xi will become the first head of state to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos. He will elaborate Beijing's proposal on the global economic situation, put forward Beijing's program and convey its confidence on global economic governance.

Xi will deliver a keynote speech on establishing a "community of shared destiny for mankind" at the Palace of Nations, and set a direction for the future of the world from perspectives of history and philosophy. Xi is also the first top Chinese leader to visit the World Health Organization and International Olympic Committee, which is of extraordinary significance. The Chinese President's ongoing state visit to Switzerland is characterized by a number of "firsts". Xi's first overseas trip in 2017 will add a new chapter to China's diplomacy.

By Zhang Maorong, researcher with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations; cartoon drawing by Liao Tingting