The China–Switzerland Free Trade Agreement and Economic Identity-Building

Abstract

The free trade agreement signed between China and Switzerland in 2013 was a watershed event in the economic policies of both states,a successful identity-building exercise for both actors in addition to an economic endeavour. In the case of Beijing, the Switzerland free trade agreement (FTA) was a crucial step not only in promoting its trade interests in Europe, including the European Union, but also in planning future FTAs and promoting China as a supporter of globalization and economic liberalisation. For Switzerland, the FTA further cemented that country’s identity as a distinct European economic and political actor, including in its engagement of the Chinese market.