How trustworthy is Switzerland as an international mediator or go-between today?

Debate

Foreign Affairs

How trustworthy is Switzerland as an international mediator or go-between today?

Hosted by: Ying Zhang

From cross-strait relations (political and economic relations between China and Taiwan), the US-China rivalry, Sino-Swiss relations, China and its political structures to adaptive development and technological innovation, I report on foreign affairs and their possible impact on Swiss/Chinese politics, economics and society. A former journalist in Beijing, I am interested in China and its political structures, adaptive development and technological innovation. I studied journalism and communication in China and in Switzerland. Since joining SWI swissinfo.ch in 2015, I have developed a keen interest in international affairs with a focus on China's relations with other countries/blocs and where Switzerland stands.

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For decades, Switzerland built a reputation as a place where hostile states could meet, negotiate and maintain diplomatic contacts. Its neutrality, Geneva’s international institutions and its role as a protecting power helped the country become associated with mediation and dialogue.

But global diplomacy is changing. Conflicts have become more fragmented, new regional powers such as Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and China are taking on larger mediation roles, and some observers question whether Switzerland is still seen as equally impartial by all sides.

In today’s world, what qualities matter most for a country trying to act as a mediator or go-between? Do you trust Swiss mediation today? Share your thoughts with us.