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One thing we do know is this: the relationship between Swiss and Chinese interests has been growing closer in recent years. Why are Swiss-Chinese relations so close? 2017 - Pres. Xi visited China in 2017. - There have been many Chinese delegations visiting Switzerland, building a relationship "based on mutual respect and trust." - Switzerland was also "one of the first Western countries that sought contact with China." - Their relationship is "pioneering." Bern recognized the People's Republic in 1950 (one year after its creation) - that was early. - First country to sign a free-trade agreement with Beijing (2013) But for some time after 1999, there was a problem as the result of the "Free Tibet" movement in Switzerland: The early establishment of diplomatic relations created for Switzerland considerable trust among the Chinese. This played a large role in ensuring that relations survived testing moments, such as in 1999 when, during the official reception in Bern for China’s then-President Jiang Zemin, Tibetan sympathisers unrolled “Free Tibet” banners. “You’ve lost a good friend,” Jiang told Swiss politicians. It’s taken 18 years for a Chinese president to return to Switzerland. The visit offers a chance to close that chapter once and for all. The turning point after that diplomatic breakdown and the development of good relations was 2007, when Switzerland and China signed a memorandum of understanding “to intensify high-level political consultations and strengthen bilateral relations across a wide range of areas”, as the foreign ministry puts it. Around 20 dialogues have since been opened and a wide range of relations rebuilt: “An unbelievable dynamic was created.” Countless visits followed, from 2010 only at government level. In 2013, five of the seven cabinet ministers headed to China – a record. Currently hardly a month goes by without a Chinese minister or an important delegation coming to Switzerland. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/state-visit_why-are-swiss-chinese-relations-so-close/42839314