American convoy in Davos are unsettled by 'sizable' Chinese delegation

In an effort to address concerns regarding the size and intentions of a Chinese delegation in Switzerland, U.S. diplomats are working to arrange a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and a Swiss official during his visit for the World Economic Forum. This diplomatic move aims to ensure that Switzerland, known for its neutrality, does not feel overlooked amid potential diplomatic engagement with Beijing. Tensions between the United States and China have escalated, particularly over the recent election in Taiwan, which drew Beijing’s disapproval due to the newly elected president’s party advocating for independence from China. The Chinese delegation, led by Premier Li Qiang, is anticipated to spend time in the Swiss capital, Bern, and Davos, the venue for the ongoing forum. Secretary Blinken, scheduled to be in Davos on Tuesday and Wednesday, will engage in various meetings and deliver at least one public speech to a predominantly business-oriented audience. According to a State Department document dated January 12, Beijing’s delegation includes ten state ministers, with the second-ranking official set to meet with Swiss leaders. This meeting is referred to as a ‘pseudo state visit,’ as noted by U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland, Scott Miller. The document emphasises the importance of at least a handshake between Secretary Blinken and Viola Amherd, the newly elected President of the Swiss Confederation, to avoid unfavorable optics. While a meeting between Blinken and a Swiss official is expected, the spokesperson for the State Department provided limited details, citing the sensitive nature of the planning. The document acknowledges the tentative nature of the secretary’s schedule, highlighting the complexity of the Davos trip with various venues and logistical considerations. Despite expressing congratulations for Taiwan’s election, President Joe Biden clarified that his administration does not formally support Taiwan declaring independence from China. Additionally, there are indications of a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese officials in Bern, adding a layer of complexity to the diplomatic landscape. Blinken’s agenda in Davos includes meetings with Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, among others, as outlined in the State Department document.