Chinese support to Russia must have consequences for EU-China relations
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31. März 2022 In Aktuell, EN

Chinese support to Russia must have consequences for EU-China relations

Statement by leading MEPs ahead of the EU-China summit via video conference 1 April 2022.

“The EU-China Summit is taking place in unprecedented circumstances with a war on the European continent and following several turbulent years in EU-China relations. China’s ambiguous stance on the war in Ukraine is worrisome and the EU needs to assess it carefully and adopt a strategic response to China’s projection of power and influence.

We recognise the strategic importance of the EU-China relationship. However, any Chinese support to Russia must have consequences for EU-China relations. The EU should therefore call on China to use its influence constructively and responsibly.

It has been one year since China imposed sanctions on EU entities and individuals, including MEPs. The EU should insist that China lifts these unjustified sanctions.

We stand in solidarity with Lithuania and call on EU leaders to reject resolutely the Chinese economic coercion against Lithuania.

We also remain firm on the need to continue and strengthen the dialogue on human rights issues with China.

In recent weeks, we have seen a geopolitical European Union rise up, firm and united in the defence of its fundamental values. We have seen that our unity truly is our strength. We wish to see this unity and determination maintained at the EU-China summit.”

The statement is co-signed by:

David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee;

Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium), the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on China.