EU leader at UN calls out China for its human rights record and its business practices
- ‘We do not share the values on which the political and economic system in China is based,’ European Council President Charles Michel says
- Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron similarly assailed Beijing and called for an international mission, under UN auspices, to Xinjiang
The political head of the European Union assailed China’s human rights record in Hong Kong and Xinjiang on Friday, adding that the bloc remains determined to see Beijing change its economic structure to become fairer to foreign businesses.
During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, European Council President Charles Michel also reaffirmed the EU’s close relationship with the US, despite Beijing’s efforts to dissuade Western countries from picking sides in the growing rivalry between the world’s two biggest economies.
“We do not share the values on which the political and economic system in China is based,” Michel told the assembly, which has been largely held by teleconference as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are deeply connected with the United States. We share ideals, values and a mutual affection that have been strengthened through the trials of history,” he said to the assembly, which this year has maintained a strong focus on the US-China rift.
“They remain embodied today in a vital transatlantic alliance. This does not prevent us from occasionally having divergent approaches or interests.”
Michel, who was among three EU leaders to hold a video meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this month, criticised the Chinese economic model, as China and the EU remain at loggerheads over access to China’s market during negotiations for an investment agreement.