Tibetans in Switzerland denounce China’s intimidation tactics
There are about 7,500 members of the Tibetan diaspora living in Switzerland. Larger communities exist in India and Nepal.
Keystone
The Tibetan diaspora community in Switzerland accuses the Chinese government of using repressive tactics in the Alpine nation.
This content was published on
3 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ds
Switzerland’s German-language weekly NZZ am Sonntag cited on Sunday a letterExternal link from the three most prominent Tibetan organisations to Swiss President Ueli Maurer.
“The Tibetan community in exile in Switzerland is increasingly being watched and systematically intimidated by the Chinese government,” the letter claims.
This intimidation is particularly evident at rallies, but control efforts are also increasingly manifest in the digital world.
“China’s self-confident and demanding behaviour is noticeable in relation to the Tibetan exile community in Switzerland, among other things,” says Isabelle Graber, aspokeswoman for the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service.External link
“Official receptions of the [Tibetan spiritual leader] Dalai Lama will no longer be tolerated by China in any way and will be punished retroactively with various measures,” she noted.
Last March, Defence Minister Viola Amherd, whose department includes the intelligence service, said “the surveillance of exiled communities in Switzerland violates Switzerland’s sovereignty and democratic values.”
There are some 7,500 members of the Tibetan diaspora living in Switzerland.
The NZZ am Sonntag report gave several examples of Tibetan groups coming under pressure from Beijing in Switzerland.
One involved the Chinese ambassador to Switzerland setting up a meeting with Swiss parliament at the exact same time it was supposed to receive Tibetan groups. The Tibetan event was scrapped.
Currently, between 15 and 25 Tibetans per month apply for asylum in Switzerland. Some of them hail from the Tibetan diaspora in India or Nepal rather than China.
Maurer visited China in April and signed a memorandum of understanding confirming Switzerland’s future participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Have you heard something about Swiss diplomacy that you’d like us to fact check?
Not all information circulating about Switzerland’s foreign relations is accurate or well understood. Tell us what you'd like us to fact check or clarify.
Researchers find high microbial diversity in glacial streams
This content was published on
Swiss researchers have discovered a surprising diversity of microorganisms in glacial streams around the world. However, this diversity is under threat as soon as it is discovered.
This content was published on
Fewer electric cars were sold in Switzerland in 2024 compared to the previous year. The electric mobility association Swiss eMobility says this is only a temporary dip.
This content was published on
Sunshine and fresh snow attracted winter sports fans to Swiss ski resorts over the holiday period. Many ski stations reported record figures.
New Year’s speech: President Keller-Sutter praises Swiss modesty
This content was published on
The Swiss president for 2025, Karin Keller-Sutter, has underlined the importance of compromise and modesty in Swiss politics in her New Year’s address to the nation.
Lindt wins ‘chocolate ball’ legal case against Aldi
This content was published on
Chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli has won a legal case against the retailer Aldi Suisse for infringing the trademark rights of its Lindor chocolate balls.
Campaigners want Swiss central bank to hold bitcoin in reserves
This content was published on
Campaigners have launched a people's initiative to oblige the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to hold part of its reserves in bitcoin.
Switzerland welcomes 2025 with fireworks and ice plunges
This content was published on
Fireworks lit up the skies in Switzerland to celebrate New Year's Eve. Some people welcomed the new year by plunging into lakes in freezing temperatures.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Dalai Lama will not meet officials during Swiss visit
This content was published on
The Dalai Lama is visiting Switzerland on a four-day trip beginning on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tibet Institute near Zurich.
This content was published on
We dug into our archives to gather voices from Switzerland about the bloody crackdown on democracy protests in China 30 years ago.
Chinese firms stole sensitive data from Swiss-based competitor
This content was published on
The news comes days after the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service had highlighted the ongoing threat of Chinese espionage in its annual report on the risks facing Switzerland. The SonntagsZeitungExternal link reports that the victim of this case was a Swiss subsidiary of the Dutch company BesiExternal link, which manufactures machines that make computer chips. The perpetrators…
This content was published on
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned Switzerland about closer ties with China, telling the country to "keep its eyes wide open”.
China blasts Swiss-signed letter criticising Xinjiang policies
This content was published on
China has attacked a statement by 22 Western countries, including Switzerland, urging it to stop detaining members of its Muslim population.
Swiss president defends controversial Chinese project
This content was published on
Ueli Maurer says it’s important for Switzerland to take part in the Belt and Road summit and bring its own values to the table.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.