In a speech at the “Europe Day” celebration in Beijing on Friday (May 7), EU Ambassador to Beijing Nicolas Chap, in the presence of the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, stressed the importance of cooperation with China, but did not shy away from focusing on human rights and fundamental freedoms. Yu Bai also said that the EU and the Chinese Communist Party are increasingly at odds over these fundamental values. Previously, New Zealand’s prime minister spoke directly about the human rights situation on the mainland in the presence of Beijing’s ambassador to New Zealand.
EU wants to cooperate with China but does not avoid talking about human rights
EU Ambassador to China Yu Bai said that while the EU and China (Communist Party of China) held three summits during the pandemic’s ravages, opened two high-level dialogues on climate and numbers, formally signed the China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement and completed seven years of negotiations on a comprehensive investment agreement, “however, the EU and China (Communist Party of China) are increasingly divided on the fundamental values that form the basis of their politics Differences are growing.”
Yu Bai added that the EU wants to cooperate with the Chinese (Communist Party), but does not shy away from focusing on the divisive topics of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“The EU’s concerns about human rights and fundamental freedoms are well known and it [the EU] will continue to raise and address them through appropriate channels and actions,” he said, adding, “We call on China to better understand the EU’s position so as to further create the necessary political space to respect each other and not shy away from each other’s concerns.” .
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang reportedly attended the Europe Day event. Qin was present when Yu Bai made the remarks. Commentators on this said that it was embarrassing to be exposed on their own soil and what the CCP Foreign Ministry should do about it.
New Zealand’s historic breakthrough
It is reported that the 7th New Zealand China Business Summit was held in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, on Monday (May 3), with the presence of the Chinese Communist Party’s ambassador to the country. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave a keynote speech at the conference.
Ardern, who has always avoided mentioning the human rights situation on the mainland, expressed “serious” concerns to China about the human rights situation on the mainland, including for Uighurs in the Xinjiang region and Hong Kong residents. She also said that New Zealand and Beijing have “increasingly difficult differences in values and orientations” that are difficult to reconcile.
Asked whether New Zealand would risk trade sanctions from China to preserve its values, as Australia has done, Ardern replied: “Preserving values and not worrying too much about economic impact would be a concern for every New Zealander.
The New Zealand Parliament reportedly passed a motion unanimously on Wednesday (May 5) condemning the Chinese Communist Party for its gross human rights abuses against Uighurs in Xinjiang.
History Trivia: Europe Day
In Europe, Europe Day is a celebration of peace and unity in Europe, and it consists of two completely different commemorative days: May 5, which marks the establishment of the European Commission, and May 9, which marks the advent of the European Union (EU) plan (the Schuman Declaration).
Europe Day is also called Schuman Day, in honor of French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman.
On May 9, 1950 the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman announced at a press conference a plan in which he proposed the integration of German and French coal and steel production.
Recent Comments