Strategy with China: Swiss cooperation or U.S. confrontation? The successful Swiss path with a free trade agreement

This book is published on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Not only was Switzerland one of the first countries to recognize the PRC, but it is also the only country in continental Europe to have jointly concluded a free trade agreement with China. This important milestone was carefully prepared over several years through patience, perseverance, and skill. The political and economic benefits of the resulting closer relationship are significant, and the prospects are highly attractive given the strong growth of China’s middle class expected over the next 20 years. A comparison of the outcome of the negotiations is also conducted with six countries from three continents that have established free trade relations with China. Switzerland shares the same concerns as the United States regarding China, particularly with respect to the strengthening of state capitalism, intellectual property violations, and the increase in human rights abuses. However, key aspects of the US-China confrontation highlight significantly different interests, challenges, and policies.