EU-China summit:
EU must not slide into politics of appeasement
Ahead of tomorrow’s 25th EU-China summit on bilateral relations and global geopolitical challenges in Beijing, the Greens/EFA Group urges EU leaders to address China with clarity and resolve. Now is not the time for vague language or diplomatic complacency - particularly on human rights violations, China’s economic policies and support for Russia.
MEP Hannah Neumann, Greens/EFA coordinator in the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), comments:
“The EU leadership travels to China at a crucial moment. We expect them to speak with clarity and conviction — not to soften their message just because relations with the United States are currently strained.
“The Chinese government continues to support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, economically and by supplying components for its war industry. Any serious dialogue with Beijing must begin with a clear and unequivocal message: you cannot partner with Europe while fueling war on our continent.
“China’s systematic human rights violations must be a core concern for the EU at this summit. From the repression of the Uyghurs, to the dismantling of democracy in Hong Kong, to the silencing of dissent and the use of transnational repression — these abuses cannot be brushed aside. We expect President von der Leyen to raise these concerns not only behind closed doors, but also in her public statements.
“At the same time, Europe must stop tiptoeing around China’s increasingly aggressive economic behavior. Beijing distorts global markets through unfair subsidies, dumping practices, and coercive trade tactics. If we are serious about defending European industry and workers, we must stand up and push back. We Greens will continue to resist any attempts by EU leadership to slide into a politics of appeasement.
“China’s threats in the Indo-Pacific — from Taiwan to the Philippines — must also be addressed head-on. Europe has a strategic interest in the region’s stability, in upholding international law, and in defending freedom of navigation. What we demand of others, we must also demand of China. Beijing must understand: further aggression will trigger a strong and united European response.
“The European Parliament will continue to insist on a principled, clear-eyed stance. And closely follow what will happen in the days ahead."
