Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hails 75 years of bilateral relations

25.04.2025 — Press releases China
The head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, visited the People's Republic of China on 24 and 25 April 2025. His visit marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Switzerland established official relations with China in 1950, making it one of the first European countries to do so. In addition to an official meeting with China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, Mr Cassis' visit focused on efforts to modernise the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries in order to improve market access for Swiss companies.

Switzerland celebrated as Country of Honor at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival

19.04.2025 — Press releases China
As Switzerland and China mark the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Switzerland is proud to be the Country of Honor at the 15^th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) from April 18 to 26, a highlight of this jubilee year and of the Sino-Swiss Year of Culture and Tourism. The announcement was made today (April 19) during a press conference at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, which brought together Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri, Deputy Secretary-General of BJIFF Organizing Committee Bian Jian, and the Swiss film delegation. The event provided insights into Switzerland’s participation and its vision for deepening cinematic exchange with China.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Japan and China from 22 to 25 April 2025

17.04.2025 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will visit Japan and the People's Republic of China from 22 to 25 April. The aim of the trip is to strengthen political ties and promote Switzerland's economic interests with two key partners. In Japan, the focus will be on innovation, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation. In China, discussions will mainly cover bilateral relations, economic issues and current geopolitical questions.

Bilateral human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China

21.02.2025 — Press releases China
The 18th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place in Beijing on 20 and 21 February 2025. The talks, which were held in confidence, allowed for a direct, critical and open exchange on international and national human rights issues. The Swiss delegation was led by Christine Löw, deputy head of the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. Switzerland is firmly committed to the universal protection of human rights – in China and elsewhere in the world. To this end, it uses a number of multilateral and bilateral instrments, including the human rights dialogue.

Kick-off event to mark 75 years of Sino-Swiss diplomatic ties in the Swiss Chalet

17.01.2025 — Press releases China
The Embassy of Switzerland in China hosted a grand reception today (17 January) in the presence of Li Jian, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, Jürg Burri, Swiss Ambassador to China, and 100 distinguished guests at the Swiss Chalet in Beijing, kicking off the year of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China.

Swiss Chalet opens at Houhai, bringing unique alpine winter to the heart of Beijing

12.12.2024 — Press releases China
Today, the Swiss Chalet, a pop-up bar that brings the essence of Swiss alpine winter, officially opened its door at Houhai area, the heart of Beijing. Initiated by the Embassy of Switzerland in China, in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and with the support of Xicheng District of Beijing Municipality, the pop-up bar will serve as a gateway to Switzerland’s winter culture, tourism, and innovation, kickstarting the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China in 2025. Jürg Burri, Swiss Ambassador to China and Zhi Haijie, Deputy Secretary of Xicheng District Committee of CPC of Beijing Municipality, Acting Mayor of Xicheng District People's Government of Beijing Municipality attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

‘Swiss Design Classics’ opens: largest and most complete exhibition of original Swiss designs in China

08.11.2024 — Press releases China
As a warm-up activity for the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland in 2025, the ‘Swiss Design Classics’ exhibition, jointly hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland in China and the Today Art Museum and curated by Christian Herren, was unveiled on November 8^th, 2024, Building No.2, Today Art Museum, Beijing. It is the largest and most complete ever undertaking of original pieces of Swiss design in China.

“Swiss Art Pool” Launches and Showcases Sino-Swiss Cultural Exchange

18.10.2024 — Press releases China
In a groundbreaking move to support Swiss contemporary art in China, the Swiss Art Pool was officially launched today at the Swiss embassy, connecting artists, curators, art experts, institutions, galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from Switzerland and China. For the first time, the embassy’s pool and the pool house were transformed into a captivating exhibition featuring artworks from five outstanding Swiss artists Maya Hottarek, Tobias Kaspar, Philip Ortelli, Valentina Pini, and Urban Zellweger.

“Pretty Good Films” Open Air Festival showcases the magic of cinema, Swiss style!

26.09.2024 — Press releases China
The Swiss Embassy today announced the launch of its annual showcase of the best in Swiss cinema. Under the embassy's yearly campaign of Pretty Good Switzerland, the event is titled Pretty Good Films Open Air Film Festival and is scheduled to take place from September 26th to 28th. About 200 film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media representatives attended the Grand Opening today, celebrating Swiss cinematic excellence while fostering bilateral cooperation and understanding through the art of film.

Swiss Night in Shanghai

12.09.2024 — Press releases China
On the historic 12th September, the inaugural Swiss Night attracted 300 guests on the occasion of the 176th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Consulate General successfully connected its stakeholders under one roof for the very first time. Swiss business leaders mingled with diplomats and government officials. The flagship Swiss Night Reception served as an exclusive platform to further enhance ties between China and Switzerland.

So Swiss! in Changzhou

11.07.2024 — Press releases China
The fourth edition of So Swiss! took place in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, on July 11th, 2024, with the collaboration of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai and the Foreign Affairs Office of Changzhou Municipal People's Government. This event highlighted Switzerland's credibility as a partner by focusing on investment opportunities in Switzerland, the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement, and female business leadership in the context of Sino-Swiss relations. Jürg BURRI, Ambassador of Switzerland to China, and SHENG Lei, Mayor of Changzhou People's Municipal Government, inaugurated the event. 

The 8th Sino-Swiss Economic Forum: Shaping the Future of Collaboration and Innovation

01.07.2024 — Press releases China
The 8^th edition of the Sino-Swiss Economic Forum (SSEF) was successfully held on July 1, 2024, at the China World Summit Wing Beijing with the noteworthy presence of H.E. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and H.E. Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China. The SSEF takes place every two years in Beijing. This edition was organized by the China Swiss Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in China.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis meets Foreign Minister Wang Yi and hails 75 years of bilateral relations

25.04.2025 — Press releases China
The head of Switzerland's Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, visited the People's Republic of China on 24 and 25 April 2025. His visit marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Switzerland established official relations with China in 1950, making it one of the first European countries to do so. In addition to an official meeting with China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, Mr Cassis' visit focused on efforts to modernise the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries in order to improve market access for Swiss companies.

Switzerland celebrated as Country of Honor at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival

19.04.2025 — Press releases China
As Switzerland and China mark the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, Switzerland is proud to be the Country of Honor at the 15^th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) from April 18 to 26, a highlight of this jubilee year and of the Sino-Swiss Year of Culture and Tourism. The announcement was made today (April 19) during a press conference at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, which brought together Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri, Deputy Secretary-General of BJIFF Organizing Committee Bian Jian, and the Swiss film delegation. The event provided insights into Switzerland’s participation and its vision for deepening cinematic exchange with China.

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Japan and China from 22 to 25 April 2025

17.04.2025 — Press releases China
Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will visit Japan and the People's Republic of China from 22 to 25 April. The aim of the trip is to strengthen political ties and promote Switzerland's economic interests with two key partners. In Japan, the focus will be on innovation, technology, trade and multilateral cooperation. In China, discussions will mainly cover bilateral relations, economic issues and current geopolitical questions.

Bilateral human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China

21.02.2025 — Press releases China
The 18th round of the human rights dialogue between Switzerland and China took place in Beijing on 20 and 21 February 2025. The talks, which were held in confidence, allowed for a direct, critical and open exchange on international and national human rights issues. The Swiss delegation was led by Christine Löw, deputy head of the FDFA's Peace and Human Rights Division. Switzerland is firmly committed to the universal protection of human rights – in China and elsewhere in the world. To this end, it uses a number of multilateral and bilateral instrments, including the human rights dialogue.

Kick-off event to mark 75 years of Sino-Swiss diplomatic ties in the Swiss Chalet

17.01.2025 — Press releases China
The Embassy of Switzerland in China hosted a grand reception today (17 January) in the presence of Li Jian, Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of China’s Foreign Ministry, Jürg Burri, Swiss Ambassador to China, and 100 distinguished guests at the Swiss Chalet in Beijing, kicking off the year of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China.

Swiss Chalet opens at Houhai, bringing unique alpine winter to the heart of Beijing

12.12.2024 — Press releases China
Today, the Swiss Chalet, a pop-up bar that brings the essence of Swiss alpine winter, officially opened its door at Houhai area, the heart of Beijing. Initiated by the Embassy of Switzerland in China, in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and with the support of Xicheng District of Beijing Municipality, the pop-up bar will serve as a gateway to Switzerland’s winter culture, tourism, and innovation, kickstarting the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China in 2025. Jürg Burri, Swiss Ambassador to China and Zhi Haijie, Deputy Secretary of Xicheng District Committee of CPC of Beijing Municipality, Acting Mayor of Xicheng District People's Government of Beijing Municipality attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

‘Swiss Design Classics’ opens: largest and most complete exhibition of original Swiss designs in China

08.11.2024 — Press releases China
As a warm-up activity for the 75^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland in 2025, the ‘Swiss Design Classics’ exhibition, jointly hosted by the Embassy of Switzerland in China and the Today Art Museum and curated by Christian Herren, was unveiled on November 8^th, 2024, Building No.2, Today Art Museum, Beijing. It is the largest and most complete ever undertaking of original pieces of Swiss design in China.

“Swiss Art Pool” Launches and Showcases Sino-Swiss Cultural Exchange

18.10.2024 — Press releases China
In a groundbreaking move to support Swiss contemporary art in China, the Swiss Art Pool was officially launched today at the Swiss embassy, connecting artists, curators, art experts, institutions, galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from Switzerland and China. For the first time, the embassy’s pool and the pool house were transformed into a captivating exhibition featuring artworks from five outstanding Swiss artists Maya Hottarek, Tobias Kaspar, Philip Ortelli, Valentina Pini, and Urban Zellweger.

“Pretty Good Films” Open Air Festival showcases the magic of cinema, Swiss style!

26.09.2024 — Press releases China
The Swiss Embassy today announced the launch of its annual showcase of the best in Swiss cinema. Under the embassy's yearly campaign of Pretty Good Switzerland, the event is titled Pretty Good Films Open Air Film Festival and is scheduled to take place from September 26th to 28th. About 200 film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media representatives attended the Grand Opening today, celebrating Swiss cinematic excellence while fostering bilateral cooperation and understanding through the art of film.

Swiss Night in Shanghai

12.09.2024 — Press releases China
On the historic 12th September, the inaugural Swiss Night attracted 300 guests on the occasion of the 176th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Consulate General successfully connected its stakeholders under one roof for the very first time. Swiss business leaders mingled with diplomats and government officials. The flagship Swiss Night Reception served as an exclusive platform to further enhance ties between China and Switzerland.

So Swiss! in Changzhou

11.07.2024 — Press releases China
The fourth edition of So Swiss! took place in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, on July 11th, 2024, with the collaboration of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai and the Foreign Affairs Office of Changzhou Municipal People's Government. This event highlighted Switzerland's credibility as a partner by focusing on investment opportunities in Switzerland, the Sino-Swiss Free Trade Agreement, and female business leadership in the context of Sino-Swiss relations. Jürg BURRI, Ambassador of Switzerland to China, and SHENG Lei, Mayor of Changzhou People's Municipal Government, inaugurated the event. 

The 8th Sino-Swiss Economic Forum: Shaping the Future of Collaboration and Innovation

01.07.2024 — Press releases China
The 8^th edition of the Sino-Swiss Economic Forum (SSEF) was successfully held on July 1, 2024, at the China World Summit Wing Beijing with the noteworthy presence of H.E. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, and H.E. Mr. Wang Wentao, Minister of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China. The SSEF takes place every two years in Beijing. This edition was organized by the China Swiss Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland in China.

So Swiss in Hefei - Healthy & Sustainable by Design

19.10.2023 — Local news China
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai hosted the third edition of So Swiss! in Hefei, Anhui province on 19th October in cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Office of Anhui Provincial People’s Government and the Health Commission of Anhui Province. Experts showcased Swiss sustainability in healthcare, lifestyle as well as Swiss design. Participants interactively discovered Swiss cutting-edge technologies and innovation. Previously, the Consulate had already successfully organised two So Swiss! events in Shanghai and Suzhou.

Event review: So Swiss! in Suzhou

06.07.2023 — Local news China
The Consulate General of Switzerland in Shanghai promoted Swiss sustainability at “So Swiss!” in Suzhou on 15th June in cooperation with the Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office and the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU). Experts provided food for thought, as they showcased and discussed Swiss sustainability in construction, healthcare & lifestyle. Jürg BURRI, Ambassador of Switzerland to China, Sacha BACHMANN, Consul General of Switzerland in Shanghai, Fei XIE, Deputy Secretary General of Suzhou Municipal People’s Government and Zhoulin RUAN, Vice President for Academic Affairs at XJTLU jointly welcomed participants at the opening ceremony.

SwissInTouch, Switzerland in your pocket

24.11.2022 — Article EDA
Approximately 780,000 Swiss citizens abroad currently benefit from the wide range of services provided by a global network of representations offering advice and support. The FDFA Helpline is also on hand to answer queries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now there's a new app that makes staying in touch even easier: SwissInTouch keeps Switzerland at your fingertips.

Ignazio Cassis meets China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Bern to discuss bilateral cooperation, human rights and multilateralism

22.10.2019 — EDA
Federal Councillor and head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis met China's Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi on 22 October 2019, as the two countries gear up to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore issues of current interest to both countries. The meeting builds on the strategic dialogue established between Switzerland and China in 2017 and follows on from Mr Cassis visit to Beijing in April 2018.

1 August Speech by the President of the Swiss Confederation

17.07.2019 — Local news China
National Day 2019: Greetings for the swiss abroad. 

70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

10.12.2018 — Local news China
Ancient cultures have left us with countless encouragements to act responsibly as we see in the following Confucian quotation: “愛與敬，其政之本與 love and respect are the basis of governance”. Universal and individual rights however are quite recent, with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen issued in France in 1789 setting the stage for universal rights in modern history. The first truly comprehensive and global proclamation of human rights was established exactly 70 years ago with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

CE continues to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos

25.01.2018 — Local news China
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, yesterday (January 25, Davos time) continued to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, she also met with the leadership of various economies and international organisations.

Human Rights Day 2017

10.12.2017 — Position China
In exactly one year from today, on 10 December 2018, Switzerland together with the international community will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which 70 years after its adoption, remains of unequivocal relevance. Human rights are a necessity for our societies, an invaluable ingredient to boost peace and stability and to foster sustainable development. Human rights are at the heart of the values represented by Switzerland and its political model, which is founded on the principles of democracy, non-discrimination, gender equality, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among people having different religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Switzerland calls upon its partners to join it in making this Human Rights Day 2017 a day of unequivocal relevance for the promotion and the protection of human rights.

Death of Liu Xiaobo – FDFA Statement

14.07.2017 — Position China

Switzerland is profoundly saddened by the death of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo and expresses its sincere condolences to his family.

President of the Swiss Confederation Johann N. Schneider-Ammann: 2016 National Day greetings to the Swiss Abroad

01.08.2016 — Position China

President Johann N. Schneider-Amman's speech to the Swiss abroad on the Swiss national day

The 2016 Francophonie Festival in China - Swiss event gallery

01.03.2016 — Local news China

On the occasion of the 21st edition of "the Francophonie Festival" in China, Switzerland will present  cultural events in March in several Chinese cities: musicians, singers, writers, sculptors, painters, engravers, academics, filmmakers, photographers and architects, the Swiss Francophone will be on the go throughout China. During the whole month of March, Switzerland offers a wide programme of activities allowing the Chinese audience to discover the richness and the diversity of its contemporary cultural scene.

Renminbi clearing services now available in Switzerland

02.12.2015 — Local news China

The People’s Bank of China (PBC) has decided to authorise the Zurich branch of the China Construction Bank (CCB Zurich branch) to be the renminbi clearing bank in Switzerland as of today. With this authorisation, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the PBC on the establishment of renminbi clearing arrangements in Switzerland, signed in January 2015, has now been successfully implemented.