Switzerland to vet Chinese investment, but some say law is too weak
by Jens Kastner
via Nikkei Asia on January 8, 2026
Switzerland introduces “Lex China,” allowing reviews of foreign state-controlled investments in critical sectors such as utilities, defense, and security IT. The law is narrow, time-bounded, and designed to keep Switzerland attractive for capital, meaning only a handful of deals will face scrutiny. Experts warn complex Chinese ownership structures and espionage-driven knowledge transfer still escape control. Business groups welcome the predictability and limited scope, betting that transparent application will protect both Swiss “safe harbor” status and workable ties with Beijing.
