One thing we do know is this:
the relationship between Swiss and Chinese interests has been growing closer in recent years.

Why are Swiss-Chinese relations so close?
2017

- Pres. Xi visited China in 2017.
- There have been many Chinese delegations visiting Switzerland, building a relationship "based on mutual respect and trust."
- Switzerland was also "one of the first Western countries that sought contact with China."
- Their relationship is "pioneering." Bern recognized the People's Republic in 1950 (one year after its creation) - that was early.
- First country to sign a free-trade agreement with Beijing (2013)

But for some time after 1999, there was a problem as the result of the "Free Tibet" movement in Switzerland:
The early establishment of diplomatic relations created for Switzerland considerable trust among the Chinese. This played a large role in ensuring that relations survived testing moments, such as in 1999 when, during the official reception in Bern for China’s then-President Jiang Zemin, Tibetan sympathisers unrolled “Free Tibet” banners. “You’ve lost a good friend,” Jiang told Swiss politicians.
It’s taken 18 years for a Chinese president to return to Switzerland. The visit offers a chance to close that chapter once and for all.
The turning point after that diplomatic breakdown and the development of good relations was 2007, when Switzerland and China signed a memorandum of understanding “to intensify high-level political consultations and strengthen bilateral relations across a wide range of areas”, as the foreign ministry puts it.
Around 20 dialogues have since been opened and a wide range of relations rebuilt: “An unbelievable dynamic was created.”