For his first trip abroad in 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen Switzerland and with a special attention given to the symbols and substance of his visit, he will send three key messages to a world facing serious economic and political turbulence. Xi's China is an open power which sees itself as a pro-active co-architect of an inclusive and peaceful international order. These messages have to be interpreted by contrast with a series of American moves triggered by the entry of Donald Trump in the White House. While Donald Trump takes the risk of a trade war by calling for protectionist measures, Beijing acts to support the global economy through its efforts to stimulate trade between nations. Based on new forms of unilateralism and on an obsession for hard power Donald Trump wishes to "make America great again", but by choosing the side of internationalism, multilateralism and multipolarity, Xi Jinping is not only fully in phase with our time but he is also taking China's image and status in the world at another level.

Source: Huffington Post January 16, 2017 19:40 UTC