China, Switzerland cooperation moves from strength to strength

A robotic arm works on the production line at Ypsomed Medical Devices Manufacturing (Changzhou) Company in the Sino-Swiss (Changzhou) International Industrial Innovation Park in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, on Sept. 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

After more than 70 years of collaboration, China and Switzerland are deepening their multifaceted partnership in a strong signal that both nations see greater potential in their relationship.

This momentum was evident at the recent China-Switzerland Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, where the two sides reached a joint consensus to enhance cooperation in finance, climate protection and environmental sustainability. With the two countries set to mark the 10th anniversary of their innovative strategic partnership next year, formalizing a joint document to guide future engagement represents a pivotal step toward consolidating their ties.

First, it lays the groundwork for deepening free trade engagement. The China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been in force for over a decade, has been a key driver of mutual economic prosperity. This is evident in China's position as Switzerland's largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade volume reaching nearly $63 billion last year. As both countries seek to capitalize on new opportunities, the drivers of trade growth are set to evolve further, streamlining their innovative strategic partnership. Beyond economics, vibrant cultural and tourism exchanges continue to shape the positive perception of the relationship, underscoring its people-centered foundation. With Switzerland as a European economic powerhouse and China expanding global market access through its opening-up policy, entrepreneurs and businesses in both markets stand to benefit from new opportunities.

A shared commitment to economic globalization also defines the partnership's growth potential. Both countries have agreed to support trade liberalization and resist rising protectionism, trade barriers and undue economic penalties. By formalizing this consensus in a joint document, China and Switzerland demonstrate commitment on two fronts: expanding bilateral cooperation in areas from intellectual property to Belt and Road Initiative partnerships, and upholding free, equitable international trade that serves the Global South.

For instance, deeper cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing could yield groundbreaking results. Joint development of AI-powered climate technologies could offer Global South nations proven, scalable models for addressing environmental challenges. Similarly, the shared commitment to a green transition demonstrates how to accelerate sustainable development – a long-standing priority for Switzerland and an area where China has demonstrated considerable progress. By committing to an inclusive economic blueprint designed to "benefit all," China and Switzerland are well-positioned to use their active dialogue mechanisms to turn cooperation in finance, AI, climate and human rights into concrete action. As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently affirmed, "Switzerland is renowned as a 'nation of innovation', while China is steadfastly advancing high-standard opening up and leading the development of new quality productive forces through technological innovation."

Active peacebuilding is emerging as a key pillar of China-Switzerland cooperation, evident in Switzerland's support for the China-led International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The organization is designed to foster effective mediation across a range of regional tension points and has attracted considerable support from the global community. Switzerland's track record of engaging in more than two dozen peace negotiations across over 20 countries demonstrates its commitment to conflict resolution. This aligns closely with Beijing's efforts to address shortcomings in global dispute resolution through IOMed.

Joint support for the organization's principles, grounded in U.N.-centered international mediation, serves as an important reminder that concerns for just and lasting peace extend beyond Asia to the entire world. Countries that form the core of the U.N., including China and Switzerland, can partner with developing nations to bring stability and enduring peace. Protracted conflicts in the Middle East and rising challenges to organizations such as the World Trade Organization collectively underline the need for a comprehensive mediation strategy, one that Switzerland and China are actively prepared to advance in the coming years.

Deepening trade cooperation also calls for a concerted effort to broaden the range of goods and tradable assets. For this reason, Switzerland and China have made important strides in expanding zero-tariff coverage, a key enabler of smooth and consistent trade increases, to benefit more goods in the near term. By broadening zero-tariff coverage, both sides incentivize high-growth businesses to expand their market presence in each other's economies. Increased access to China's international exhibitions enables Swiss manufacturers to coordinate AI research and development strategies with broad public and industrial applications. China is a pioneer in extending market access to legions of multinationals as well as early-stage startups and multisector business ventures. Meanwhile, Switzerland is responding to Europe's shifting economic climate, where strengthening supply chains requires collaboration with time-tested partners.

It is in this spirit that the China-Switzerland partnership, now on the cusp of its 75th anniversary, stands as a testament to enduring economic and trade ties. An upgraded FTA, effective measures against global trade barriers and multipronged market access for tariff-exempt goods are all vital ingredients to an even more consolidated and forward-looking trade partnership.

The recent strategic dialogue confirms that political consensus and diplomatic cooperation underpin their long-term trade objectives. With these principles at the center of their joint development roadmap, the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership will continue to move from strength to strength.