Today's vote ensures that Hong Kong and human rights will be at the foundation of the EU Parliament's strategy towards China

Today, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly to endorse a new EU-China strategy report which places Hong Kong and human rights at the foundation of the Parliament’s  approach in dealing with the Chinese Government going forward.

The new EU-China strategy includes calling for a “for result-oriented Human Rights Dialogues to be held on an annual basis” with China in which the EU should raise the situation of Hong Kong, underlines that it will take into account the human rights crisis in Hong Kong when determining its approach to China, reiterates calls for EU Member states to implement a lifeboat scheme for Hong Kongers, targeted sanctions against Hong Kong officials, and the suspension of extradition treaties with China, and outlining that any future consideration of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment will include China’s recommitment to the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Commenting on the passing of the new EU-China strategy report, Sam Goodman, Hong Kong Watch’s Senior Policy Advisor, said:

“Today’s vote seeks to rectify the long-held naivety that previously underpinned the European Union’s relationship with China, which favoured trade and investment over upholding international rules and human rights.

We welcome the fact that the human rights situation in Hong Kong and China’s failure to uphold its legal obligations as outlined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration will now be a cornerstone of the EU Parliament’s strategy in dealing with the Chinese Communist Party and any future ratification of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.

As this report is sent on to be discussed by the EU Commission and the EU Council, we hope that Europe’s leaders will finally commit to implementing lifeboat schemes for Hong Kongers, introduce Magnitsky sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials, and suspend extradition treaties with China.”