Because of political trends and very restrictive measures adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, cooperation and the exchange of ideas has dwindled in recent years. In the area of education, there is still a strong interest in school exchanges, also to strengthen students’ China competency.

Beyond mutual interests, the partnership also provides a platform to advocate for Switzerland’s core values and basic rights such as democracy, the rule of law and human rights. This is in line with Switzerland’s China strategy and supported by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The city partnership between Basel and Shanghai is based on a partnership agreement that was signed in Shanghai in 2007. This agreement is valid indefinitely. The specific areas of co-operation are defined in a temporary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).