As the European Union tends to take a tougher stance against China, European Council President Michel said in the General Assembly general debate on September 25 that the European Union believes in values different from China’s, and is concerned about the Uighur human rights and Hong Kong issues, which Beijing regards as sensitive, and that the relationship between Europe and the United States is always new.
This year, U.S.-China relations have deteriorated rapidly with the 2019 coronavirus epidemic, and many European countries are increasingly dissatisfied with China’s strong diplomatic style, repeatedly concerned about issues such as human rights and democracy that have been downplayed in the past to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations, leading to a series of setbacks in Beijing’s attempts to draw closer to the EU.
According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency, Charles Michel, speaking on behalf of the EU in the general debate of the 75th UN General Assembly, said that since his presidency of the European Council, he has often been asked a simple and straightforward question: “In the face of the new U.S.-China confrontation, on which side does the EU stand?”
He said that the EU and the United States have a close relationship, sharing common ideals and values, and a mutual affection that has grown stronger over time and is still reflected today in the important transatlantic alliance, but that there are still occasional differences in style or interest between the two sides.
We do not share the values on which China’s political and economic system is based, and we will not stop preaching respect for universal human rights, including those of minorities such as the Uighurs, or for Hong Kong, where the international commitment to safeguarding the rule of law and democracy is being questioned,” Michel said.
He said China is a key partner in addressing common challenges such as global warming, 2019 coronavirus disease, and African debt relief, as well as an important trading partner, but the EU is determined to rebalance the relationship towards a more reciprocal and level playing field, as is the spirit of the EU’s deepening relationship with member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In recent years, Beijing has tightened its control over the Xinjiang region, locking up large numbers of Uighurs in camps under the guise of vocational training, which has been repeatedly criticized by the international community. In an effort to suppress anti-government protests in Hong Kong, Beijing enacted the HKSAR’s National Security Law, which came into effect at the end of June this year, threatening Hong Kong’s long-standing high degree of autonomy.
In a statement issued by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office on September 25, British Deputy Foreign Secretary Amad addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling on China to allow U.N. observers to visit China and expressing concern about the human rights problems caused by the Hong Kong SAR’s national security law.
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