The Straits Times reports today: "During China-Europe economic and trade negotiations, the European Parliament adopted a policy recommendation report on China, urging the EU to more firmly safeguard its own interests and express positions on issues such as human rights and Taiwan. China has stated that the report constitutes an arbitrary interference in China’s internal affairs, and has lodged serious representations with the EU."
The report attempts to link economic and trade issues with sovereignty matters, citing so-called "unfair competition" while leveraging concerns over Taiwan and human rights to exert pressure on China. At its core, this reflects the politicization of economic and trade issues. The Taiwan issue is an internal matter for China, a core interest that must not be compromised. The European Parliament’s move introduces disruptive noise at a critical juncture of economic and trade talks, undermining practical cooperation between China and Europe. Economic and trade relations between China and Europe are inherently mutually beneficial. Infusing ideological biases and interference in internal affairs into these negotiations runs counter to the shared interests of both sides. China maintains openness in economic and trade dialogue but will not yield on issues concerning sovereignty and internal affairs.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1878586153792588/
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