Dear Members and Friends

This is the last newsletter of 2021, and it seems we are caught in a time loop. Once again, we are facing a new pandemic situation that is new to all of us and is testing our patience and resources.

The results of the vaccination resilience to Omicron and the severity of the symptoms will be known just in time for the Christmas holidays. Let’s all hope that we can celebrate without major restrictions. However, we must remain vigilant in everything we do and plan over the holidays.

In the context of the interactions between China and Switzerland, a call between Federal Council Ignazio Cassis and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi took place on November 26, during which a wide range of topics were discussed – evidence that relations between China and Switzerland are solid and sensitive issues can be addressed in a polite and diplomatic manner.

Last month, various events were held in Switzerland on the topic of China, and the media made China their focus. This is important, as I wrote in the last newsletter, it is essential to understand China and its intentions and developments. Only then we can be a competent partner in discussions and negotiations on government and economic matters.

One such development that needs to be understood is the ‘3rd resolution’. After 1945 and 1981, it is only the third time in the history of the CCP that such a resolution has been drafted, discussed, and published. It addresses the achievements of the past 100 years as well as the priorities of the Chairman and President Xi Jinping over the last 9 years. In conjunction with the newly launched five-year plan, it allows a prediction of the Chinese government’s approach and next steps at the national and international levels.

Many of us have heard the term ‘common prosperity’. It is an area of focus for the Chinese government that will drive many future decisions and regulations. Therefore, it is for all players in China and stakeholders with exposure to China of utmost importance to understand the background, objectives, and tools available to the Chinese government to implement its intentions.

As we prepare for the next year as a Chamber, we have decided to share this President’s Newsletter platform between the presidents of the French-speaking, Italian-speaking, and German-speaking chapters (one of which is also the national president). We will alternate the newsletter so that you will hear the views of more China experts.

In this spirit, I wish you a joyful and happy pre-Christmas season and all the best for the last few days of 2021.

Kind regards and stay healthy,

Felix Sutter

Làzhú zhàoliàng biérén, què huǐmiè le zìjǐ.

A candle gives light to others and consumes itself. – Self-sacrifice for the benefit of others.