EU Parliament Adopts Resolution Condemning China's Human Rights Abuses... Halting Investment Agreement

(Photo by AP Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The European Union (EU) Parliament has put a brake on the investment agreement between the two sides, citing human rights abuses by the Chinese government.

According to AFP, on the 21st (local time), the EU Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Chinese government's crackdown on Hong Kong activists.

The EU Parliament's resolution called for sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials responsible for human rights abuses involving police deployment.

Regarding the agreement to conclude the investment deal with China, it expressed strong regret, stating that it "should have been suspended to be used as leverage to protect Hong Kong's autonomy, freedom, and fundamental rights."

The EU Parliament also pointed out, "By hastily agreeing to conclude the agreement without considering the serious human rights violations occurring in Hong Kong, Xinjiang Uyghur, and Tibet, it has risked undermining trust in the EU, which should protect human rights worldwide."

It added, "We will closely examine the investment agreement going forward and consider China's human rights situation when ratifying the investment agreement."

In response, Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "We firmly oppose violent interference in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong," urging, "Stop any interference in China's internal affairs."

The EU Commission and China agreed on December 30 last year to conclude an investment agreement aimed at mutual market access and expanding investment.