China Emphasizes Its Human Rights Stance at China-EU Dialogue

During the 39th session of the China-EU Human Rights Dialogue held in Chongqing on June 16, Chinese representatives comprehensively presented their views on human rights and reiterated China’s stance. EU diplomats also visited the Xizang Autonomous Region between June 13 and 15 as part of the agenda, which facilitated in-depth discussions on human rights developments in both regions.

On June 17, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Miao Deyu met with Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Beijing. Miao detailed China’s human rights concept and achievements, emphasizing the Communist Party of China’s commitment to serving the people and advancing their fundamental interests. He highlighted China’s historic achievements in human rights and its ongoing efforts to improve protections through Chinese modernization.

Miao also stressed China’s opposition to politicizing human rights issues, applying double standards, and imposing a single human rights model on other countries. He urged for stronger communication between China and Europe to foster mutual understanding.

The dialogue, co-chaired by Shen Bo, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Pampaloni, included China’s objections to the EU’s recent annual report on global human rights and democracy. Shen refuted the EU’s accusations regarding China’s human rights situation and reiterated that issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong are internal affairs that tolerate no external interference. He urged the EU to respect China’s human rights development path and refrain from using human rights to interfere in China’s internal matters.

China also raised concerns about the EU’s handling of refugees, migrants, racism, xenophobia, and violence against women, urging the EU to address these issues earnestly.

Both parties agreed that the dialogue was candid, in-depth, and conducive to enhancing mutual understanding. They discussed potential cooperation in various areas, including economic, social, and cultural rights, business and human rights, women and children’s rights, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

The EU diplomats’ visits to schools, cultural, and religious sites in Xizang provided them with a more objective understanding of China’s human rights practices. Experts believe such exchanges help eliminate misunderstandings between the regions.

The previous China-EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in Brussels, Belgium, in February 2023, marking the resumption of talks after a suspension since 2019. Despite differing views on human rights, both sides acknowledge the importance of ongoing dialogue.