From January 13 to January 21, Prof. Dr. Christian Schwarzenegger, dean of the University of Zurich UZH institute of law and his colleague Prof. Dr. Claire Huguenin, delegate for foreign relations, visited both Beijing and Shanghai for signing ceremonies at two of the most renowned law faculties in China.
With Renmin University of China in Beijing and East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, two of Chinas most prestigious universities could be gained as potential partners for a new dual Master’s degree in law, allowing students to achieve diploma from both the University of Zurich UZH and the corresponding university in China after a combined two years of studies, one of which will be spent in each country.
In the beginning, two students of each side will have the opportunity to profit from this very attractive program. The desire is to extend this number in a later stage.

The Renmin University of China has a distinct focus on humanities and social sciences, hosting many outstanding scholars in law, economics, journalism and other fields. It constantly ranks amongst the top three most selective Chinese universities in social sciences.
The discussion with the university representatives in Beijing was well advanced, with a focus on the areas of contract law, civil law and free trade. Furthermore, the Renmin University expressed its desire to invite a guest professor in sports law from the University of Zurich UZH. The delegates were accompanied by Nektarios Palaskas, S&T counselor of the Swiss Embassy in Beijing.

East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai was founded in 1952 and is therefore one of the first five law universities in China, enjoying unparalleled influence and prestige in Shanghai and greater East China.
Although the discussion was not quite as specific and concrete as in Beijing, the atmosphere at the signing ceremony was extraordinary friendly and after a tour through the beautiful historical campus, the closing lunch in the nearby Zhongshan Park may have marked the beginning of yet another very fruitful cooperation between China and Switzerland. Pascal Marmier from swissnex China and Anna Mattei from the Swiss General Consulate completed the delegation in Shanghai, accompanied by some of their co-workers.

- Contributed by Niklaus Waldvogel, Academic Intern of swissnex China