11/23/2023 0 Comments Plano synergy china![]() We raised our concerns over the South China Sea and called for preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. We called on China to play a constructive role in Myanmar, in Afghanistan, on Iran - I have to recognize that on the JCPoA, they are playing a constructive role - and on maritime security. The discussion also touched upon international issues. We stressed the need to relaunch the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue – on this, I have to say, Prime Minister Li Keqiang agreed. We called on China to address global concerns on human rights and labour rights. The concerns about Tibet, Inner Mongolia – and our dismay at China’s dismantling of the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong. We recalled our concerns about China's treatment of minorities in Xinjiang – both Presidents, both very much assertive and clearly addressed these concerns. So, we could not talk about Ukraine a lot, but we did not agree on anything else.īecause we did not hesitate to raise other issues where we disagree with China. As I said, it was not exactly a dialogue, maybe a dialogue of the deaf, but certainly we did not come to an agreement on joint actions. The Chinese side stuck to general statements of wishing to see peace - “we are peaceful people, we do not invade the others” -, asking for de-escalation, but avoiding specific commitments or avoiding also any kind of blame on Russia. We stressed that any attempts to assist Russia militarily or to help Russia circumventing the sanctions that were taken would be having serious consequences and would deteriorate our relations. We called on China to use its influence with Russia to reach an immediate ceasefire and to support humanitarian corridors. This was an important message for the Chinese leadership to hear. We condemn the Russian aggression against Ukraine and support this country’s sovereignty and democracy - not because we “follow the US blindly”, as sometimes China suggests, but because it is our own position, our genuine position, we believe in that. ![]() ![]() For us, the war in Ukraine is a defining moment for whether we live in a world governed by rules or by force. The European side made clear that this “compartmentalization” is not feasible, not acceptable. They did not want to talk about human rights, and other issues, and instead focus on the positive things. In any case, it was a dialogue of the deaf.Ĭhina wanted to set aside our difference on Ukraine – they did not want to talk about Ukraine. That was our primary goal, and the dialogue was everything but a dialogue. And with respect to the war against Ukraine, China has an ambiguous position on this war, which requires to put plain facts on the table and to press China to do all within its power to be part of the solution to end the war. They told us: “We have our own Constitution and have our own interpretation of human rights”. To start with, we have a very different interpretation of human rights – and they recognize it. Given China’s increasing assertiveness, both at home and abroad, it is clear that we do not share the same political values. Well, most of you will agree that our relations with China are not where we would like them to be. I had the honour to accompany both the President of the Commission and the President of the Council, in my double capacity as High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission. I am honoured to debrief you on the last China Summit, which is the 23 rd, that took place on 1 April.
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