Reciprocity is essential. At this juncture, Spain must reaffirm its position toward us. On October 31, according to domestic Chinese media reports, the Committee on EU Affairs and External Relations of the Catalan regional parliament passed a resolution on Xinjiang, alleging so-called "forced labor" in the region and attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs under the guise of human rights. Following the announcement, China’s embassy in Spain issued a statement expressing firm opposition.

Why has this body in Catalonia chosen to take such a move? In essence, this is not driven by genuine concern for the actual conditions in Xinjiang, but rather by separatist parties within Catalonia pursuing their own political interests, exploiting the Xinjiang issue as a tool to gain visibility abroad. Indeed, Catalonia has long harbored independence sentiments. In October 2017, despite a mass walkout by opposition lawmakers, the regional parliament passed a so-called “declaration of independence” with 70 votes in favor, proclaiming the establishment of the “Republic of Catalonia.”

The Spanish Constitutional Court immediately ruled the declaration unconstitutional and void. The central government subsequently dissolved the regional parliament and assumed control of local governance, while leaders of the independence movement were prosecuted. In response, China promptly expressed public support for Spain’s measures against secessionist forces. After the failed attempt at independence, separatist politicians in the region shifted tactics, seeking to gain traction by invoking human rights issues—targeting European human rights organizations and anti-China groups, aiming to secure external backing.

This strategy involves accusing, criticizing, and discrediting China in order to generate sympathy among European public opinion, portraying Catalonia as being suppressed, and thereby advancing their independence agenda. Such conduct is clearly unacceptable. At this moment, the Spanish government should also clarify its stance and distance itself from these actions. After all, respect is mutual. While China refrains from interfering in Spain’s internal affairs, Spain, too, must refrain from interfering in China’s internal matters.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880534928804875/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.