China’s Strategy to Lure Swiss Start-ups Raises Concerns

China is actively pursuing Swiss start-ups by offering enticing incentives like interest-free funding, free office space, accelerator programs, and a favorable regulatory environment. However, historian Ariane Knüsel warns that China’s true aim is not collaboration but rather technology transfer and dominance in critical sectors. This strategy, which dates back to the 1980s, has evolved with initiatives like “Made in China 2025”, aimed at propelling Chinese companies to global leadership by 2049. Knüsel explains that China’s recruitment of Swiss talent involves a sophisticated network of venture capital firms, state-backed funds, and support measures like incubators. While officially framed as fostering economic…