Swiss offer to mediate in South China Sea dispute

Foreign Minister Didier Burkhalter has said Switzerland is prepared to act as an intermediary in the South China Sea, where territory disputes are increasing tensions.  “Switzerland is not exactly what you would call a maritime power. This is true despite the fact that the Swiss Alinghi sailing boat won the America’s Cup twice!” Burkhalter joked on Saturday in Singapore.  “But while Switzerland is not a maritime power, it is a mediation power. As an impartial and credible actor, Switzerland facilitates dialogue reand builds bridges in many conflicts. It is home to Geneva, Europe’s hub for peace where numerous international talks to resolve differences and prevent or resolve conflict have taken place,” he said.  “Moreover, Switzerland is an economic power. We have a strong interest in regional stability and safe shipping routes in the Asia Pacific. While Asia’s security challenges are for Asians to resolve, Switzerland stands ready to facilitate whenever its ...