Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. The Swiss government formally recognized the PRC on January 17, 1950, with diplomatic relations officially established on September 14 of the same year. 

In 2016, China and Switzerland established an innovative strategic partnership. In January 2017, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Switzerland. In January 2024, Premier Li Qiang made an official visit to Switzerland.

China maintains close economic and trade relations with Switzerland. In July 2013, the two countries signed the Free Trade Agreement Between the People's Republic of China and the Swiss Confederation, which was the first bilateral FTA signed between China and a continental European country. In July 2014, the FTA between China and Switzerland officially came into effect. In September 2024, the both sides officially launched negotiations to upgrade their free trade agreement.

Both sides are also closely cooperating in fields such as finance, innovation, environmental protection, culture, education, science and technology, and tourism, and have established dialogue mechanisms in these fields. 

20 sister provinces/states and cities partnerships have been established between the two countries.