Switzerland–Taiwan relations

Switzerland–Taiwan relations refers to the bilateral relations between Switzerland (officially the Swiss Confederation) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China, ROC). The two countries do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, as Switzerland recognizes the People's Republic of China under the One China policy. However, they maintain substantive exchanges in trade, science, technology, culture, and education through representative offices.

Switzerland established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on 14 September 1950, making it one of the first Western countries to do so.^[2] Following this decision, Switzerland does not recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. Despite the absence of formal ties, both countries maintain unofficial relations through representative offices and economic cooperation.

Switzerland established the Trade Office of Swiss Industries in Taipei in 1982 to promote bilateral trade and investment. Taiwan, in turn, opened the Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Switzerland, based in Bern, to facilitate economic, scientific, and cultural exchanges.^[3] Over the years, bilateral relations have expanded beyond trade to include cooperation in areas such as higher education, research, finance, and innovation.

In February 2023, five Swiss parliamentarians visit Taiwan to meet Taiwanese politicians and government representatives. The delegation included members from the Social Democratic Party, the Green Party of Switzerland, and the Swiss People's Party, led by Fabian Molina and Mustafa Atici. The visit, described by Molina as "a sign of support for Taiwan", focused on democracy, defense, and economic cooperation. Chinese officials in Bern warned the Swiss lawmakers not to "send the wrong signals to the separatists".^[4]

Established in 1982, the Trade Office of Swiss Industries in Taipei represents Swiss interests in Taiwan, while the Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Switzerland in Bern represents Taiwan's interests in Switzerland.^[5]

Switzerland is one of Taiwan's major trading partners in Europe and Taiwan is Switzerland's seventh-largest economic partner in Asia.^[6] Bilateral trade between the two countries focuses on machinery, precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.^[7] Swiss investments in Taiwan are concentrated in finance, watches, and biotechnology.^[8]

In May 2023, the Swiss National Council passed a motion calling for the signing of a partnership agreement with Taiwan to deepen collaboration in science, technology, innovation, and culture.^[9] The motion, submitted by former Councilor Mustafa Atici, was adopted on 28th February 2024 by a vote of 96 in favor, 86 against, and nine abstentions.^[10]

The bill calls for a partnership agreement to be signed between the Trade Office of Swiss Industries in Taipei and the Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Switzerland, establishing a "solid institutional framework" for cooperation between universities, research institutions, and innovation sectors in both countries.^[11] Supporters, including Councilor Fabian Molina, argued that the agreement would diversify Switzerland's trade relations in Asia and promote cooperation between democratic nations.^[12]

• Foreign relations of Taiwan
• Foreign relations of Switzerland

• Taipei Cultural and Economic Delegation in Switzerland
• Switzerland–Taiwan relations – Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs