Switzerland’s largest bank is believed to hold shares in the Hikvision group whose products are used to monitor the Uighurs in detention camps and public spaces.
The Chinese state owned firm was blacklisted by the US Department of Commerce in October for its role in the surveillance of ethnic minorities.
According to the SonntagsBlick, UBS was one of Hikvision’s top shareholders for years. In 2016, the bank was listed as the sixth largest shareholder and as of March 2019 it was still the ninth largest. This was despite the fact that it was already public knowledge at the time that Hikvision was significantly involved in the surveillance apparatus against the Uighurs. The bank does not want to comment on the extent of its current investment in Hikvision. In principle, UBS does not comment on individual client relationships.
Switzerland joins calls demanding closure of Uighur camps
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Switzerland has called on China to close internment camps in Xinjiang where at least a million ethnic minority Muslims are reportedly being held.
Boats sail to Solothurn to celebrate 700 years of Le Landeron
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The challenge of crossing Lake Biel from Le Landeron to Solothurn without a motor was taken up by 16 amateur crews on Saturday. The competition is part of Le Landeron's 700th anniversary celebrations.
Swiss cantonal ministers keep low profile on social media
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A small base of followers and neutral posts: these are the conclusions that emerge from a study published by UNIL researchers into the use of social networks by councillors of state.
Swiss rents forecast to rise up to 5% annually, housing chief warns
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Rents on the Swiss market are set to rise by between 3% and 5% a year over the next few years, warned Martin Tschirren, Director of the Federal Housing Office (FHO), on Sunday. "Demand for housing remains higher than supply".
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The Council of the Swiss Abroad, meeting today in Bern, passed a resolution in favour of the new Electronic Identity Act (Id-e), which will be put to the vote on 28 September.
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Uighur exile leader calls on Switzerland to curb China ties
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“The time for expressions of concern is over,” said Dolkun Isa, the president of the World Uighur Congress, in an interview with swissinfo.ch in Geneva. The exile group says it campaigns for self-determination. Chinese government representatives have previously denounced members of the group as terrorists and criminals. Isa’s visit comes amid growing criticism globally, including…
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The Swiss president is in China, where he will sign a memorandum of understanding focusing on finance and trade. What’s in it for both countries?
Swiss president defends controversial Chinese project
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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.
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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.