The European Council reaffirmed the EU’s multifaceted political approach towards China, which is at once a partner, a competitor and a systemic adversary
The 27 leaders of the member states adopted the conclusions on China.
It is noted that the European Council continued its strategic discussion on the EU’s relations with China and confirmed the EU’s multifaceted political approach towards China, which is at the same time a partner, a competitor and a systemic adversary.
Despite their different political and economic systems, the European Union and China share a common interest in pursuing constructive and stable relations, respecting the rules-based international order, balanced engagement and reciprocity.
It also emphasizes that the European Union will continue to work with China to address global challenges and encourages China to take more ambitious action on climate change and biodiversity, health and pandemic preparedness, food security, reducing disaster relief, debt relief and humanitarian aid.
The European Union and China remain important trade and economic partners. The European Union will seek to ensure a level playing fieldy, so that the commercial and economic relationship is balanced, mutual and mutually beneficial. In line with the Versailles agenda, the European Union will continue to reduce critical dependencies and vulnerabilities, including in its supply chains, and de-risk and diversify where necessary and appropriate. The European Union does not intend to disengage or become inward-looking.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has a special responsibility to uphold the rules-based international order, the UN Charter and international law. Hence the European Council calls on China to pressure Russia to stop its aggressive war and to immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
The 27 note that the East and South China Seas are of strategic importance to regional and global prosperity and security. The European Union is concerned about the growing tension in the Taiwan Strait. The European Council opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. It reaffirms the EU’s consistent “one China policy”.
Finally, the European Union remains firmly committed to promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The European Council welcomes the resumption of the human rights dialogue with China. It reiterates its concerns about forced labour, the treatment of human rights defenders and people belonging to minorities, the situation in Tibet and Xinjiang, and China’s adherence to previous commitments regarding Hong Kong.
Source :Skai
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