The deal allows officials from Beijing to enter Switzerland and question Chinese citizens residing here illegally.
Responding to what it called “numerous misleading statements”, the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) said on ThursdayExternal link that the agreement was listed in the foreign ministry’s collection of international agreements and “can be obtained on request at any time. It is in no way a secret document”. SEM says the agreement expired on December 7 this year and that “as there is no particular urgency to renew the agreement, no such talks have taken place to date”.
“Since being signed at Switzerland’s behest in December 2015, it has only been applied on one occasion, when two Chinese officials stayed in Switzerland for several days to interview a total of 13 people,” the press release stresses.
It reiterates that those interviewed “are individuals who do not face persecution on return to their country of origin”, such as Tibetans and Uighurs. “Persons who can credibly demonstrate that they are subject to political persecution are granted protection by Switzerland”.
‘60 or so’ other agreements
SEM stresses that such agreements “have been conducted for many years in Switzerland and in other European countries” and that Switzerland has such deals with countries other than China.
“Like the other 60 or so agreements concluded by Switzerland in this area, the agreement is in line with the legal mandate which requires SEM, together with the cantons, to ensure that people who have to leave Switzerland can actually be removed. Without identification by the staff of the Chinese authorities, the removal cannot be carried out,” says the press release.
The NZZ am Sonntag newspaper reported in August that talks with the Chinese were ongoing to renew the agreement, which was never officially published. On December 9, Britain’s Guardian newspaper ran an articleExternal link suggesting that the deal was not only secret but “gave Chinese spies free rein in Switzerland”.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
This content was published on
Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
This content was published on
The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
This content was published on
Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
This content was published on
To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
This content was published on
Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
This content was published on
Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
This content was published on
French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
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
Details emerge of Swiss deal with Chinese agents
This content was published on
Switzerland has concluded agreements with some 60 countries to allow their officials to come help to identify and deport illegal citizens.
This content was published on
Swiss authorities want to renew a discreet agreement allowing Beijing officials to enter the country and question Chinese citizens residing here illegally.
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.