20210319：瑞士整合並改變對中戰略

【縛雞之見】

1950年便率先承認中國的瑞士，聯邦委員會感到與中國價值越來越分歧、交往越來越複雜、中國越來越影響到瑞士各政策擬定的層面，一改過去70年的政策，擬定未來4年新的對中政策，以保障基本價值。
未來瑞士對中外交：1.  會是獨立的政策，透過對話解決歧異，目標在保護瑞士長期利益與基本價值。2.  主張中國要融入自由國際秩序，瑞士會更與同心國家合作。3.  與國會、地方、學術、私部門一起，追求平衡、一貫、合作的對中途徑。
作為中立國，瑞士是的搭橋者。但堅持國際法與多邊合作。中國在和平與安全、繁榮、永續、數位化等4個議題扮演全球性重要角色。瑞士要建立跨部會機構來促使對中政策一貫性。對於全球議題，需要全球性解決，故要與中國在國際組織上進行建設性合作。
約略看一下這介紹文章，表示連瑞士都感到中國的咄咄逼人，源自於價值（即文化），但既是一國政策，要做改變也是慢慢來，比起1950年的速速承認，瑞士的動作是慢或恰當？

https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/fdfa/aktuell/newsuebersicht/2021/03/china-strategie-2021-2024.html 

A balanced, coherent and coordinated approach to China    瑞士聯邦委員會 20210319

China has developed rapidly in recent decades.  Relations between Switzerland and China are becoming closer all the time, but this also means that differing values are coming to light more frequently and more clearly than before.  The number of actors in Switzerland who maintain contact with China is also rising.  In light of this, the Federal Council adopted a new strategy for China at its meeting on 19 March.  The strategy was drafted in a process that involved all government departments.

19.03.2021

FDFA Foreign policy

 

China is the world's second-largest national economy and the only large nation to have escaped a recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  In just a few decades, its development model and disciplined economic policies have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty, allowing China to position itself as an exemplar in global efforts to eradicate poverty.  Already a pacesetter in industries from robotics to AI, China is on the path to become a global leader in key technologies including green tech.

Switzerland has a 70-year history of close cooperation with the People's Republic of China (PRC).  In 1950, Switzerland was one of the first European states to recognise the PRC.  This first step developed into a relationship of reciprocity – and mutual respect for political, social and economic differences – between our two nations.  Today, Swiss-China relations can build on a free trade agreement, an innovative strategic partnership, and dozens of channels for dialogue.  As Switzerland and China become increasingly connected, some areas of Swiss-China relations have become more complicated in recent years.  Differing values are coming to light more frequently and more clearly than before.  However, constructively critical dialogue has always formed the basis of the solid and extensive bilateral framework that Switzerland and China enjoy today.

Coherence is the crucial challenge

Policy coherence is a challenge when it comes to China.  China is Switzerland's third-largest trading partner worldwide, and its main trading partner in Asia.  In a short time, the PRC's economic and political power has grown rapidly, and this is reflected in far-reaching geopolitical aspirations.  But China's growing economic influence is accompanied by aspects that are more difficult to accept.  In response to China's authoritarian turn in its domestic policy, Switzerland will continue to defend the fundamental values that underpin its foreign policy.  Its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and a liberal international order remains central in this respect.  As Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis concludes in his foreword: "Pioneering spirit and pragmatism, in addition to a strong stance in the defence of Swiss interests and values, have moulded Switzerland's policy on China for seventy years.  They will continue to do so."

Where China specifically is concerned, this may mean that our country faces conflicting objectives.  Such conflicts are inherent in all policymaking, however, especially in foreign affairs.  They reflect a pluralist political system and close integration of foreign and domestic policy, and must be addressed and resolved transparently. 

 

Pioneering spirit and pragmatism, in addition to a strong stance in the defence of Swiss interests and values, have moulded Switzerland's policy on China for seventy years.  They will continue to do so.

----Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor

 

Coherence is becoming increasingly important, especially given the steady rise in the number of actors in Switzerland who maintain contact with China.  The newly drafted China Strategy 2021–24 is the product of a participative process that involved all of the departments of the Federal Administration.  It provides a cross-sectoral operational framework for the next four years.

Three principles for cooperation

China has been investing heavily in education, research and innovation for years and shares a great deal of knowledge in fields including finance, science, culture and environmental protection.  It is in these areas especially that Switzerland wishes to cooperate with the PRC, which is listed as a priority country in Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23 (FPS 2020–23).  Three fundamental principles underpin Switzerland's cooperation with China.  These apply to bilateral relations, multilateral cooperation and coordination in Switzerland

Firstly, Switzerland wishes to pursue an independent policy on China and defend its long-term interests and fundamental values.  It will seek to do this through constructively critical dialogue with Chinese representatives in the diverse areas of Swiss–China relations where there is an opportunity to engage on these issues.

The Federal Council advocates the integration of China in the liberal international order and will seek to coordinate more closely with like-minded partners.

Finally, it pursues a balanced, coherent and coordinated approach to China that encourages exchanges with Parliament, the cantons, academia, the private sector and civil society.

 

As a neutral state, Switzerland sees itself as a bridge-builder.  It remains committed to upholding international law and rules-based multilateral cooperation.

----Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor

 

To promote its ideas and interests, Switzerland makes use of an extensive network.  In addition to diplomatic representations – an embassy in Beijing and four consulates general – this includes the offices of swissnex, Switzerland Tourism, the SDC and a Swiss Business Hub in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.  For Cassis, this extensive network demonstrates the extent to which Switzerland remains committed to cooperation and dialogue: "As a neutral state, Switzerland sees itself as a bridge-builder.  It remains committed to upholding international law and rules-based multilateral cooperation.  "

Thematic focuses of the China Strategy

China plays a central role globally with regard to the four thematic focus areas of Switzerland's Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23: peace and security, prosperity, sustainable development and digitalisation.

Peace and security

Prosperity

Sustainability

digitalisation

New cross-departmental coordinating body for China relations

A new cross-departmental coordinating body is to be created to ensure greater policy coherence.  It will facilitate the sharing of information and experience among all federal bodies that deal with China.  The Federal Council also welcomes exchange with and between stakeholders outside of the federal government that also play an important part in relations.  These include cantonal and city authorities, business representatives and non-governmental organisations, as well as educational and research institutions including universities.

Global problems demand global solutions.   Switzerland is therefore also committed to constructive cooperation with China in international organisations such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.  China also has an important role to play in strengthening International Geneva's key role as a hub for multilateral discussions.

Complementary strategies for coherent foreign policy

• In its Foreign Policy Strategy 2020–23, published at the end of January 2020, the Federal Council set out overall objectives informed by an analysis of the current global environment, and developments and trends likely to affect Switzerland in years to come.
• For Switzerland to implement its foreign policy in a coordinated and coherent manner in all regions of the world, its strategies must complement each other.  The Foreign Policy Strategy formulated the overall objectives and approach.  The regional strategies – which include the China Strategy – apply these main tenets of Switzerland's foreign policy in the different parts of the world.
• The regional strategies are complemented by thematic strategies, which set priorities in specific areas.   These include the International Cooperation Strategy, the Digital Foreign Policy Strategy and the Strategy for Communication Abroad.

More on Switzerland's foreign policy cascading strategy 

Questions & Answers on the Federal Council's China Strategy

Does the China Strategy mark a change in course?

Why does the strategy not formulate the objectives and measures in more detail?

How 'independent' can Switzerland's China policy be, given the difference in size between the two countries? Wouldn't a joint strategy with the EU be more effective?

What can Switzerland achieve by promoting human rights in China?

Can Switzerland pursue economic interests vis-à-vis China while at the same time standing up for human rights there? Isn't that a contradiction?

What does the China Strategy say about China's influence in Switzerland?

What does the Federal Council say about the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI)?