Green Party threatens referendum on China deal

Federal Palace, Bern

The Green Party is threatening to launch a referendum against a new trade deal with China as it feels it fails to take into account the human rights situation in the country.

The government wants to update the current deal which has been in force for the last 10 years. 

It would give Chinese firms better market access and easier customs processes. 

But it would also allow Swiss service providers, such as banks, better access. 

But the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee rejected an idea to link the deal with human rights issues and the environment. 

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