Switzerland and the People's Republic of China have maintained bilateral relations since 1950. The two countries conduct dialogue on a wide range of issues, including the environment, development cooperation, human rights, migration, education, science and finance.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–China
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Relations between Switzerland and China are good and cover a wide range of areas. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2007 to step up high-level political consultations and strengthen bilateral relations in all areas. In addition to regular official contacts between Beijing and Bern, projects are carried out in partnership with cantons, cities and communes. At civil society level, lively exchanges take place between experts, academics and artists' associations. An innovative strategic partnership was agreed between Switzerland and China in 2016. Since 2018, the foreign ministers of the two countries have also held a strategic dialogue. Swiss and Chinese authorities are engaged in more than 30 technical dialogues in total. In 2025, Switzerland and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with bilateral activities focusing on culture and tourism.
Within the framework of the Asia G20 Strategy 2025–28, adopted by the Federal Council in June 2025, the China Strategy 2021–24 was updated and expanded to include the Asian G20 countries (China, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea). Switzerland is thus establishing a solid basis for a differentiated understanding of Asia's regional dynamics.
Government of the People's Republic of China, official
Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation
Economic relations
Since 2010, China has been Switzerland's biggest trading partner in Asia and its third largest globally after the EU and the United States.
A Swiss-Chinese free trade agreement was signed in Beijing in 2013 and entered into force on 1 July 2014. The agreement contains provisions on trade in goods and services, non-tariff barriers to trade, intellectual property protection, and trade and sustainable development.
The free trade agreement builds on the long-standing economic relations between the two countries. These were consolidated in an earlier trade agreement signed in 1974, under which a joint economic commission was also established.
Switzerland and China have also conducted a bilateral dialogue on intellectual property since 2007. In addition, since 2013 the People's Bank of China and the State Secretariat for International Finance (SIF) have been engaged in a regular dialogue on financial affairs.
In 2019, Switzerland and China signed an MoU on third market cooperation in connection with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Country information on China, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Free Trade Agreement Switzerland–China (SECO)
Trade Promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (SGE)
Switzerland–China dialogue on the protection of intellectual property (IPI)
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
China is a significant partner for Switzerland in education, research and innovation.
Wide-ranging official dialogues allow for exchanges on topics of shared interest, as well as the initiation and promotion of projects.
Swissnex China, based in Shanghai since 2008, and the Swiss embassy in Beijing support stakeholders in the fields of education, research and innovation through active networking, targeted advice, and various opportunities for exchange and promotion.
Chinese researchers can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Students from China make up the fourth largest group of foreign students in Switzerland.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Human rights
Promoting respect for human rights, as set out in the Federal Constitution, is an objective of Switzerland's foreign policy. Switzerland raises human rights issues in all bilateral and multilateral relations with China. In addition to specific consultations in the areas of labour law and international law, China and Switzerland have been conducting a human rights dialogue since 1991, focusing on the following areas:
- Criminal law, criminal procedure and the penal system
- Minorities and religious freedom
- Human rights defenders
- International human rights issues
Switzerland's human rights policy
Bilateral human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China (press release dated 21.2.2025)
Cultural Exchanges
Switzerland and China also maintain vibrant cultural relations. In 2010, Switzerland opened a liaison office of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia in Shanghai. The two countries signed an agreement on cultural cooperation in January 2017.
The 2013 bilateral agreement between China and Switzerland on the illicit import and export and repatriation of cultural property has been instrumental in boosting cultural exchanges.
In 2025 Switzerland and China are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with a year of joint cultural and tourism events in both countries.
Agreement on illicit import and export and repatriation of cultural property
Swiss nationals in China
At the end of 2024, there were 2,541 Swiss nationals living in China (including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao).
History of bilateral relations
The first official contacts between the two countries took place in 1906. A treaty of friendship was signed in 1918 formalising relations.
Switzerland recognised the People's Republic of China on 17 January 1950, and was one of the first Western states to do so.
Bilateral relations were rapidly expanded after 1979 following the launch of Deng Xiaoping's open-door and reform policy.
In 2025, Switzerland and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Links
Memorandum of Understanding on Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation
Country information on China, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Switzerland–China dialogue on the protection of intellectual property (IPI)
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI
Bilateral human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China (press release dated 21.2.2025)
Agreement on illicit import and export and repatriation of cultural property
