China-Switzerland trade partnership offers a model amid fraught EU ties

China is highlighting its relationship with Switzerland as a model of practical cooperation during a period of strained ties with the European Union. This partnership, which marks its 10th anniversary in 2026, focuses on free trade and mutual benefits. Switzerland was the first European country to sign a free-trade agreement with China, which has contributed to the flow of business exchanges.

Swiss companies have long invested in China, with major players like Schindler, Nestlé, Roche, Novartis, and ABB establishing operations there. Chinese companies, in turn, have invested in Switzerland, with notable examples including China National Chemical Corp's acquisition of Syngenta for US$43 billion. Swiss firms plan to increase their investments in China's pharmaceutical and machinery sectors following President Guy Parmelin's visit to Beijing.

This relationship stands in contrast to the more complex and politically charged EU-China ties, which involve security concerns, human rights issues, industrial policy competition, and transatlantic pressures. The EU relationship lacks the clear, tangible deliverables that the China-Switzerland partnership demonstrates. China's President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to build confidence and certainty in China-Europe trade relations, positioning the Switzerland agreement as a rebuttal to protectionism and unilateralism.

While the Swiss example may not directly translate to a breakthrough in China-EU ties, it serves as a reference point showcasing that reduced barriers, regulatory cooperation, and political engagement can yield results.