The meeting between US national security advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi comes at a time of “heightened tensions between the world’s two largest economies”, according to Reuters.
Sullivan and Jiechi will follow up on a September 9 phone call between Presidents Biden and Jinping, according to a White House statementExternal link, which added that the US objective is to “responsibly manage the competition” between the countries.
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What Switzerland can do about the US-China rivalry
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Rising tensions between the two powers pose a challenge to smaller countries on the sidelines that want to avoid getting caught in the middle.
President Biden has repeatedly said he does not want conflict with China, although various contentious issues persist, both economic and security, notably relating to Taiwan.
On Monday, the White House had criticised Beijing over several days of military activity in Taiwanese airspace. China, which claims ownership of the island, blames the US for increased tensions in the area.
As for what exactly is on the agenda in Zurich, this is not clear, although there has been rumours of an imminent presidential summit.
“I think the hope is that it will lead to a Biden-Xi Jinping meeting, which may have to be virtual,” Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund of the United States told Reuters.
Sullivan will travel to Brussels after the Zurich talks to meet NATO and EU officials, before going to Paris – the latest step in US diplomatic efforts to smooth relations after a cancelled submarine deal last month caused tensions with France.
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Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
Switzerland faces income losses from US tariffs, says ETH Zurich
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Compared to Germany and France, Switzerland would face “significantly higher losses,” says ETH Zurich’s Centre for Economic Research (KOF).
Christian Oppliger named new head of the Swiss Air Force
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Christian Oppliger has been named the new head of the Swiss Air Force, starting on October 1. He succeeds Peter Merz, who will become CEO of Skyguide.
Swiss Solidarity raises over CHF6 million for earthquake victims in Myanmar and Thailand
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The earthquake in March caused severe destruction, especially in Myanmar, where the humanitarian situation is already dire, according to Swiss Solidarity.
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On Wednesday, the Swiss government named Ambassador Gabriel Lüchinger to the role, amid the ongoing trade war initiated by US President Donald Trump.
Switzerland to cut UN development aid by CHF13 million
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The reduction in contributions is due to the cuts to the 2025 budget for international cooperation, which were decided by Parliament last December.
Swiss parliamentary committee seeks extra billion for army ammunition
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A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives wants to swiftly acquire ammunition for its ground-based air defence and other systems.
Nestlé Waters scandal: Élysée Palace ‘knew of misconduct’
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An inquiry revealed that the French presidency granted Swiss company Nestlé Waters access to ministries despite knowing about their misconduct.
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The Swiss are participating in an open test of the new electronic identity card. This will eventually lead to a state-recognised e-ID.
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China slams Switzerland for ‘interfering in internal affairs’
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China has attacked Switzerland and 26 other countries for criticising a sweeping new national security law imposed on Hong Kong.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the four hours of talks with US President Joe Biden in Geneva had been constructive.
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