China and Switzerland Ink Updated Industrial Cooperation Deal as Free Trade Agreement Expands: Welcome to Great Powers Era 2.0

Highlights

• China and Switzerland signed an upgraded free trade agreement and watchmaking cooperation memorandum on October 30, 2026.
• Switzerland hosts Glencore's global headquarters and major industrial firms like ABB and Hitachi Energy, making it strategically relevant to critical minerals markets.
• No critical minerals or rare earth supply agreements were announced, but closer bilateral ties could shape future metals and manufacturing partnerships.
• The deal reflects what Rare Earth Exchanges calls Great Powers Era 2.0, a new stage of strategic economic realignment among major nations.