Tag: Federal Council

Switzerland is caught between the fronts of the geopolitical confrontation between the USA and China | NZZ

“The US and some of their close friends are protesting against China – and Switzerland is not participating. In terms of content, the statement hits the bull’s eye. But the Federal Council is trying to avoid a confrontation with the leadership in Beijing. This balancing act will no longer be possible for a long time.”

Read the full commentary @ NZZ (paywall):

Streit um WHO-Papier: Die Schweiz zwischen den USA und China
Die USA und einige ihrer engen Freunde protestieren gegen China – und die Schweiz macht nicht mit. Inhaltlich trifft das Statement ins Schwarze. Doch der Bundesrat versucht die Konfrontation mit der Führung in Peking zu vermeiden. Lange wird dieser Balanceakt nicht mehr möglich sein.

Will the Federal Council follow suit with the sanctions against China? | Tages-Anzeiger

“The relationship between Switzerland and China threatens to escalate further. It was only last Friday that the Federal Council tightened its rhetoric against the Chinese government’s blatant human rights violations. Now, five days later, he is already faced with the question of whether he will follow up the critical tones with deeds. Specifically: whether he will take sanctions against Switzerland’s third largest trading partner.

The Federal Council is confronted with this delicate decision by the European Union. On Monday, for the first time since the Tiananmen massacre 30 years ago, it issued punitive measures against China. Even if these sanctions are initially more of a symbolic nature, Brussels is sending an important signal against the Chinese government. Now Switzerland has to decide whether and how to go along with it.”

Read the full article @ Tagesanzeiger:

Heikler Entscheid steht an – Zieht der Bundesrat bei den Sanktionen gegen China nach?
Der Bundesrat prüft, ob er sich Brüssels Strafmassnahmen gegen Peking anschliessen soll. Dabei bekommt er Unterstützung von unerwarteter Seite.

China Strategy 2021-2024 – A balanced, coherent and coordinated approach to China | Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

“China has developed rapidly in recent decades. Relations between Switzerland and China are becoming closer all the time, but this also means that differing values are coming to light more frequently and more clearly than before. The number of actors in Switzerland who maintain contact with China is also rising. In light of this, the Federal Council adopted a new strategy for China at its meeting on 19 March. The strategy was drafted in a process that involved all government departments.”

Read the full statement @ FDFA:

A balanced, coherent and coordinated approach to China
The Federal Council adopted a strategy for China at its meeting on 19 March. The strategy was drafted in a process that involved all government departments.

➔ Brochure – China Strategy 2021-2024 (FDFA)

Wang Yi: China and Switzerland should work together to ensure the stability of the industrial chain supply chain | Xinhuanet.com

“On April 7, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephone conversation with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Cassis.

[…]

Wang Yi said that in the process of China’s anti-epidemic, the Swiss government and people have provided valuable support. During the Tombsweeping Festival, China held a mourning activity against the martyrs who died of the epidemic and the deceased compatriots. The Swiss Embassy and Consulate in China took the initiative to lower the flag by half to participate, reflecting the friendly sentiment of the Swiss people to the Chinese people.

Wang Yi said that China is doing everything in its power to provide support to countries around the world in the fight against epidemics, and has established green channels to ensure the rapid and convenient delivery of anti-epidemic materials. The ventilator is currently the most urgently needed medical equipment for anti-epidemic in various countries. China is anxious about the world and is ramping up production day and night. Switzerland and other countries are suppliers of important components for ventilators, hoping to increase their supply substantially, help enterprises increase production, and alleviate the urgency of countries. This can not only provide material security for the global anti-epidemic struggle, but also help maintain the stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain. The Chinese side is also willing to strengthen cooperation in the research and development of medicines and vaccines with the Swiss side. He hopes and believes that Switzerland can effectively protect the health and safety of Chinese nationals and students studying in Switzerland.”

Read full article @ Xinhuanet.com:

王毅：中瑞应共同努力确保产业链供应链稳定-新华网
王毅：中瑞应共同努力确保产业链供应链稳定
—4月7日，国务委员兼外交部长王毅应约同瑞士联邦委员兼外长卡西斯通电话。