Questions are being asked after a picture of the former Federal Councillior Ueli Maurer has been released by the Chinese Embassy meeting the ambassador.
A statement from the Chinese says Maurer and the ambassador discussed ‘strategic partnership’ and ‘economic, financial and industrial cooperation’.
The problem is – he shouldn’t be discussing anything. He left office at the end of last year.
A Federal Council spokesman says the meeting was held without the knowledge of the government and the Department of Foreign Affairs was also unaware.
Some parliamentarians have slammed the meeting. But Maurer’s own party, the Swiss People’s Party, seems to support the meeting. MP Franz Grüter, says it’s important to maintain contacts. He says Maurer would know he can no longer speak for Switzerland – and the Chinese will know that too.
China is angry with Switzerland as there are moves to improve relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province.
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