On Friday, June 30, in Brussels, the EU leaders affirmed their commitment to maintaining constructive relations with China to tackle global challenges. They urged China to take more ambitious actions concerning climate change, biodiversity, health, pandemic preparedness, food security, disaster reduction, debt relief for poorer countries, and humanitarian aid.
Regarding trade and the economy, the EU aims to establish a level playing field to ensure balanced, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial trade and economic relations. They also plan to reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities with China, including supply chains, while de-risking and diversifying where necessary and appropriate.
EU leaders emphasized that their intention is not to sever contact with China or turn inward. Instead, they seek to maintain dialogue and cooperation.
The summit participants acknowledged China’s special responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to uphold the rules-based international order, the UN Charter, and international law. Consequently, they called on China to use its influence to urge Russia to halt its war of aggression and withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately, completely, and unconditionally.
The EU addressed the sensitive issue of Chinese foreign policy and expressed concern about the strategic importance of the East and South China Seas for regional and global prosperity and security. Specifically, the leaders voiced opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the situation in the Taiwan Strait through force or coercion.
The summit conclusions made it clear that the EU remains firmly committed to supporting the observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms. While the EU welcomed the resumption of human rights dialogue with China, they continue to criticize forced labor practices, the pressure on human rights defenders and minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang, and the lack of honoring commitments to Hong Kong.
The EU leaders emphasized their readiness to maintain relations with China while being candid about their concerns and expectations on issues ranging from global challenges to human rights. Their approach seeks cooperation where possible but also includes holding China accountable when it comes to international obligations and respecting human rights principles.
