#Newspaper
Dawn of Asian century puts pressure on EU to choose sides, says top diplomat
There has been growing discussion in Europe on how to weave a path between China and the US with the seeming end of a US-led global system and the arrival of an Asian century.
The EU’s desire to be tougher on China has been held back by revulsion at Trump’s methods, China’s part in helping Europe’s economy recover in 2007-8 and comparisons between Russia and China as communist regimes in which China appeared to have a more positive image.
With the recent pandemic, however, the pressure to choose sides is growing for the European Union, which appears to be shifting to a more independent and aggressive posture towards Beijing. The shift is sped up by Beijing’s assault on the independence of Hong Kong and its refusal to open its markets.
China’s handling of the pandemic has also backfired with European public opinion and a recent poll showed that 71% Germans believed “greater transparency by China would have mitigated the corona epidemic”.
France and Germany have already become more vocal in their criticism of China with the German cabinet approving new laws to prevent foreign takeovers of medical companies. The challenge now is for European politicians to harness this new awareness to resist China without tumbling into Trump’s cold war.
Full Article: The Guardian
https://bit.ly/2ZIFJ8Q
Further reading:
Merkel Says EU Has ‘Strategic Interest’ in Working With China
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-27/merkel-says-eu-has-strategic-interest-in-working-with-china
#EuropeanUnion #coronavirus #ChinaUSrelations #ColdWar
Dawn of Asian century puts pressure on EU to choose sides, says top diplomat
There has been growing discussion in Europe on how to weave a path between China and the US with the seeming end of a US-led global system and the arrival of an Asian century.
The EU’s desire to be tougher on China has been held back by revulsion at Trump’s methods, China’s part in helping Europe’s economy recover in 2007-8 and comparisons between Russia and China as communist regimes in which China appeared to have a more positive image.
With the recent pandemic, however, the pressure to choose sides is growing for the European Union, which appears to be shifting to a more independent and aggressive posture towards Beijing. The shift is sped up by Beijing’s assault on the independence of Hong Kong and its refusal to open its markets.
China’s handling of the pandemic has also backfired with European public opinion and a recent poll showed that 71% Germans believed “greater transparency by China would have mitigated the corona epidemic”.
France and Germany have already become more vocal in their criticism of China with the German cabinet approving new laws to prevent foreign takeovers of medical companies. The challenge now is for European politicians to harness this new awareness to resist China without tumbling into Trump’s cold war.
Full Article: The Guardian
https://bit.ly/2ZIFJ8Q
Further reading:
Merkel Says EU Has ‘Strategic Interest’ in Working With China
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-27/merkel-says-eu-has-strategic-interest-in-working-with-china
#EuropeanUnion #coronavirus #ChinaUSrelations #ColdWar
the Guardian
Dawn of Asian century puts pressure on EU to choose sides, says top diplomat
EU foreign affairs chief says end of US-led global system may have arrived and Europe needs robust strategy for China
#NationalSecurityLaw #1C1S
#EU Steps Up Sanction Over Beijing's Forceful Enforcement of National Security Law in Hong Kong
The following is the #statememt issued by European Union on July 28, 2020:
//Following an initial discussion in the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July 2020, the Council today adopted conclusions expressing grave concern over the national security legislation for Hong Kong adopted by the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress on 30 June 2020.
The conclusions restate the EU's support for Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, and its solidarity with the people of Hong Kong, whilst setting out a coordinated response package of measures in various fields.
These include among others:
- asylum, migration, visa and residence policy;
- exports of specific sensitive equipment and technologies for end use in Hong Kong;
- scholarships and academic exchanges involving Hong Kong students and universities;support to civil society;
- the operation of member states’ extradition arrangements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong
Lastly the conclusions call for a review of the implementation of the national security law and of the impact of the EU response package before the end of the year.
Source: European Union #July28 #Brussels #EuropeanUnion #Sanction
#EU Steps Up Sanction Over Beijing's Forceful Enforcement of National Security Law in Hong Kong
The following is the #statememt issued by European Union on July 28, 2020:
//Following an initial discussion in the Foreign Affairs Council on 13 July 2020, the Council today adopted conclusions expressing grave concern over the national security legislation for Hong Kong adopted by the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress on 30 June 2020.
The conclusions restate the EU's support for Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, and its solidarity with the people of Hong Kong, whilst setting out a coordinated response package of measures in various fields.
These include among others:
- asylum, migration, visa and residence policy;
- exports of specific sensitive equipment and technologies for end use in Hong Kong;
- scholarships and academic exchanges involving Hong Kong students and universities;support to civil society;
- the operation of member states’ extradition arrangements and other relevant agreements with Hong Kong
Lastly the conclusions call for a review of the implementation of the national security law and of the impact of the EU response package before the end of the year.
Source: European Union #July28 #Brussels #EuropeanUnion #Sanction
European Council
Hong Kong: Council expresses grave concern over national security law
The Council adopted conclusions on Hong Kong expressing grave concern regarding the national security legislation and setting out a coordinated package of response measures.
#Statement #EuropeanUnion
The #EU Calls on the Hong Kong Authorities to Reconsider the Postponenent of the Legislative Election
//The proposed postponement by one year of the elections to the Legislative Council through recourse to emergency powers, would delay the renewal of its democratic mandate and call into question the exercise of the democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
The recent disqualification of pro-democracy candidates, including sitting lawmakers previously democratically elected by the people of Hong Kong, also weakens Hong Kong's international reputation as a free and open society. The protection of civil and political rights in Hong Kong is a fundamental part of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which the EU supports.//
Source: EU #Aug3
#LegCoElection
The #EU Calls on the Hong Kong Authorities to Reconsider the Postponenent of the Legislative Election
//The proposed postponement by one year of the elections to the Legislative Council through recourse to emergency powers, would delay the renewal of its democratic mandate and call into question the exercise of the democratic rights and freedoms guaranteed under Hong Kong’s Basic Law.
The recent disqualification of pro-democracy candidates, including sitting lawmakers previously democratically elected by the people of Hong Kong, also weakens Hong Kong's international reputation as a free and open society. The protection of civil and political rights in Hong Kong is a fundamental part of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which the EU supports.//
Source: EU #Aug3
#LegCoElection
EU’s Flaccid Sanctions Still Anger Beijing. German Press: Xi Jinping Will Not Tolerate Any Criticism
Following Beijing’s move to forcibly impose the national security law on Hong Kong, the European Union (EU) launched sanctioning policies one month later to express its disapproval. A European newspaper opinion piece states that the EU’s sanctions paled in comparison to those of the US and the UK, nevertheless, Beijing still expressed unquenchable fury. The opinion piece says that this indicated “Xi Jinping’s world will no longer suffer any kind of criticism”, and calls on European countries to avoid being overly dependent on China, subjecting to its restrictions.
The *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung* published an opinion piece titled “China’s Unreasonable Fury”, pointing out that even though the sanctions launched by the EU were flaccid, they were nonetheless symbolic. “By implementing the Hong Kong national security law, China has infringed on the Sino-British agreement. Just this one point is sufficient to illustrate that China’s claim that Hong Kong affairs are 'internal affairs' does not stand. When it comes to breaches on international agreements, the EU has every right to respond.”
The opinion piece also states that it is believable that even the Chinese government did not find the EU’s sanctions a huge blow, “But to Beijing, whether the sanctions were harsh was by itself unimportant. No matter how gentle the terms, Xi Jinping’s world will no longer suffer any kind of criticism.” The article also says that even as the EU’s sanctions seemed weak and flaccid, it was better than none, because under the current circumstance, it was also very important to put up a symbolic stance to indicate to China that Europeans did not approve of China’s ways.
Source: Apple Daily #Aug3
#EU #XiJinping #FAZ #Frankfurter #sanctions #EuropeanUnion #nationalsecuritylaw #nsl
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200803/ABQUR57UCYETDGHXGAZBXWE2LU/
Following Beijing’s move to forcibly impose the national security law on Hong Kong, the European Union (EU) launched sanctioning policies one month later to express its disapproval. A European newspaper opinion piece states that the EU’s sanctions paled in comparison to those of the US and the UK, nevertheless, Beijing still expressed unquenchable fury. The opinion piece says that this indicated “Xi Jinping’s world will no longer suffer any kind of criticism”, and calls on European countries to avoid being overly dependent on China, subjecting to its restrictions.
The *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung* published an opinion piece titled “China’s Unreasonable Fury”, pointing out that even though the sanctions launched by the EU were flaccid, they were nonetheless symbolic. “By implementing the Hong Kong national security law, China has infringed on the Sino-British agreement. Just this one point is sufficient to illustrate that China’s claim that Hong Kong affairs are 'internal affairs' does not stand. When it comes to breaches on international agreements, the EU has every right to respond.”
The opinion piece also states that it is believable that even the Chinese government did not find the EU’s sanctions a huge blow, “But to Beijing, whether the sanctions were harsh was by itself unimportant. No matter how gentle the terms, Xi Jinping’s world will no longer suffer any kind of criticism.” The article also says that even as the EU’s sanctions seemed weak and flaccid, it was better than none, because under the current circumstance, it was also very important to put up a symbolic stance to indicate to China that Europeans did not approve of China’s ways.
Source: Apple Daily #Aug3
#EU #XiJinping #FAZ #Frankfurter #sanctions #EuropeanUnion #nationalsecuritylaw #nsl
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20200803/ABQUR57UCYETDGHXGAZBXWE2LU/
Non-binding Bill Passed - The EU Parliament Will Not Recognise Lukashenko as Belarus President after November
The European Parliament passed a non-binding motion with a majority vote yesterday (17 Sep) that the parliament will no longer recognise Alexander Lukashenko as Belarus President after November, urging the European Union (EU) to impose economic sanctions on him. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will also investigate this presidential election. Lukashenko announced that some borders with Poland and Lithuania will be closed, and the border troops are on high alert.
Lukashenko’s current term will expire in November. He will be re-elected as the next president that month because he won the general election. However, the local opposition and many people believed that Lukashenko was involved in fraud in the election, which triggered a series of demonstrations and deportation of many opposition leaders. Maria Kolesnikova, the only female opposition leader who stayed in the country, was charged with incitement to undermine national security yesterday (17 Sep).
Source: Stand News #Sep18
#Belarus #EuropeanParliament #Lukashenko #BelarusPresident #MariaKolesnikova #EuropeanUnion
The European Parliament passed a non-binding motion with a majority vote yesterday (17 Sep) that the parliament will no longer recognise Alexander Lukashenko as Belarus President after November, urging the European Union (EU) to impose economic sanctions on him. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will also investigate this presidential election. Lukashenko announced that some borders with Poland and Lithuania will be closed, and the border troops are on high alert.
Lukashenko’s current term will expire in November. He will be re-elected as the next president that month because he won the general election. However, the local opposition and many people believed that Lukashenko was involved in fraud in the election, which triggered a series of demonstrations and deportation of many opposition leaders. Maria Kolesnikova, the only female opposition leader who stayed in the country, was charged with incitement to undermine national security yesterday (17 Sep).
Source: Stand News #Sep18
#Belarus #EuropeanParliament #Lukashenko #BelarusPresident #MariaKolesnikova #EuropeanUnion
The EU’s 27 Member Countries Launch European “Magnitsky Act” to Sanction Human Rights Offenders, But Experts Worry Sanctions Against Powerful Countries Could be Difficult
The 27 member states of the European Union (EU) passed the European “Magnitsky Act” today (Dec 7) to set up a global human rights sanctions regime similar to those of the US, the UK and Canada. The act imposes sanctions such as travel restrictions and the freezing of funds on individuals committing serious human rights violations worldwide. After the bill was passed, the Council was to review the situation of Hong Kong under the national security law as well. The Wall Street Journal quoted a foreign affairs official in stating that whether the EU would impose sanctions on China for human rights abuses in Xinjiang would be the major challenge to the new act in the future.
The Council of the EU indicated that the global human rights sanctions regime that was passed this time was the first sanction system to be established by the EU. It targets individuals, entities, institutions and countries to keep them responsible for actions of severe human rights violations and abuses. The measures include travelling limitations, the freezing of funds and restrictions on fund transfers to and from those sanctioned. The Council will formulate, review and revise its sanctions list based on proposals from the 27 member states or the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The global human rights sanction regime targets crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations and abuses, such as torture, slavery, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests or detentions.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
https://bit.ly/38jYNNm
#EuropeanUnion #EU #MagnitskyAct #Magnitsky #humanrights #humanrightsabuses #UnitedStates #US #UK #Canada #NationalSecurityLaw #HongKong #Xinjiang #China
The 27 member states of the European Union (EU) passed the European “Magnitsky Act” today (Dec 7) to set up a global human rights sanctions regime similar to those of the US, the UK and Canada. The act imposes sanctions such as travel restrictions and the freezing of funds on individuals committing serious human rights violations worldwide. After the bill was passed, the Council was to review the situation of Hong Kong under the national security law as well. The Wall Street Journal quoted a foreign affairs official in stating that whether the EU would impose sanctions on China for human rights abuses in Xinjiang would be the major challenge to the new act in the future.
The Council of the EU indicated that the global human rights sanctions regime that was passed this time was the first sanction system to be established by the EU. It targets individuals, entities, institutions and countries to keep them responsible for actions of severe human rights violations and abuses. The measures include travelling limitations, the freezing of funds and restrictions on fund transfers to and from those sanctioned. The Council will formulate, review and revise its sanctions list based on proposals from the 27 member states or the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The global human rights sanction regime targets crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious human rights violations and abuses, such as torture, slavery, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests or detentions.
Source: Stand News #Dec07
https://bit.ly/38jYNNm
#EuropeanUnion #EU #MagnitskyAct #Magnitsky #humanrights #humanrightsabuses #UnitedStates #US #UK #Canada #NationalSecurityLaw #HongKong #Xinjiang #China
Over 30 Human Rights Organisations Call the EU to Add a Human Rights Clause in the China-EU Investment Agreement and to be Tougher on the Issue in a Joint Petition
The European Union and China reached an agreement on the China-Europe Investment Agreement (CEI) last month. Hong Kong Global Connect, together with more than 30 human rights organisations around the world, signed a joint letter on Wednesday, asking the EU to be tougher on human rights issues in China and to reconsider the CEI and the inclusion of human rights clause in the agreement.
More than 30 organisations signed the letter and sent the letter to President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and the President of the European Parliament. Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. The joint letter states that they are "deeply concerned" about the omission of the human rights clause from the final text of the agreement, which they believe that the EU will give a message about the promotion of close cooperation with China regardless of the scale or severity of human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party.
The organisations noted that the EU has an agreed and moral obligation to respect democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights when negotiating with China. They also recommend the EU to ensure that China ratifies key conventions, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, before acceding to the agreement. They also suggested that a human rights clause should be included in the EU-China Investment Agreement.
Hong Kong Global Connect, Hong Kong Watch, Human Rights in China, the International Federation for Human Rights, the International Campaign for Tibet, the World Uyghur Congress, and other human rights organisations signed the joint letter.
Source: Apple Daily #Jan13
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20210113/WC3VWVZSRRCVJDJJ7WSMWJRSOA/
#EuropeanUnion #EU #China #EUChinaInvestmentAgreement #humanrightsissue #jointpetition #HongKongGlobalConnect #HongKongWatch #Tibetan #Uyghur #HumanRights #ChinaEU
The European Union and China reached an agreement on the China-Europe Investment Agreement (CEI) last month. Hong Kong Global Connect, together with more than 30 human rights organisations around the world, signed a joint letter on Wednesday, asking the EU to be tougher on human rights issues in China and to reconsider the CEI and the inclusion of human rights clause in the agreement.
More than 30 organisations signed the letter and sent the letter to President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and the President of the European Parliament. Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and President of the European Parliament David Sassoli. The joint letter states that they are "deeply concerned" about the omission of the human rights clause from the final text of the agreement, which they believe that the EU will give a message about the promotion of close cooperation with China regardless of the scale or severity of human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party.
The organisations noted that the EU has an agreed and moral obligation to respect democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights when negotiating with China. They also recommend the EU to ensure that China ratifies key conventions, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, before acceding to the agreement. They also suggested that a human rights clause should be included in the EU-China Investment Agreement.
Hong Kong Global Connect, Hong Kong Watch, Human Rights in China, the International Federation for Human Rights, the International Campaign for Tibet, the World Uyghur Congress, and other human rights organisations signed the joint letter.
Source: Apple Daily #Jan13
https://hk.appledaily.com/international/20210113/WC3VWVZSRRCVJDJJ7WSMWJRSOA/
#EuropeanUnion #EU #China #EUChinaInvestmentAgreement #humanrightsissue #jointpetition #HongKongGlobalConnect #HongKongWatch #Tibetan #Uyghur #HumanRights #ChinaEU
Urging the European Union to Terminate the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). Lord Patten: It Shows a Delusional View of the Chinese Communist Party's Trustworthiness on the International Stage
After the arrest of 53 democratic primary election organisers and participants on 6th January by Hong Kong Police Force, the last British governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, issued a statement urging the international community to speak out for Hong Kong, calling for the European Union to terminate the investment agreement with China.
The statement from Lord Patten indicated that supporting democracy in Hong Kong is regarded as illegal nowadays and Hongkongers are forced to love the CCP. He called for the free democratic countries around the world to keep speaking out against Beijing’s destruction of a free society. “When terrible things are happening, we cannot look the other way”.
China and Europe jointly announced in December 2020 that negotiations for the investment agreement were completed. The agreement is set to offer better entry of the European enterprises into China market. However, the agreement is not effective until the official ratification by the European Parliament. In his statement, Lord Patten described the agreement as a “miserable draft deal” and believed that it is a “massive strategic blunder”.
#China #Beijing #Patten #HongKong #Democracy #PrimaryElection #Europe #EuropeanUnion #EU #CCP #CAI
Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
https://bit.ly/30X1L74
After the arrest of 53 democratic primary election organisers and participants on 6th January by Hong Kong Police Force, the last British governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, issued a statement urging the international community to speak out for Hong Kong, calling for the European Union to terminate the investment agreement with China.
The statement from Lord Patten indicated that supporting democracy in Hong Kong is regarded as illegal nowadays and Hongkongers are forced to love the CCP. He called for the free democratic countries around the world to keep speaking out against Beijing’s destruction of a free society. “When terrible things are happening, we cannot look the other way”.
China and Europe jointly announced in December 2020 that negotiations for the investment agreement were completed. The agreement is set to offer better entry of the European enterprises into China market. However, the agreement is not effective until the official ratification by the European Parliament. In his statement, Lord Patten described the agreement as a “miserable draft deal” and believed that it is a “massive strategic blunder”.
#China #Beijing #Patten #HongKong #Democracy #PrimaryElection #Europe #EuropeanUnion #EU #CCP #CAI
Source from: The Stand News #Jan06
https://bit.ly/30X1L74
立場新聞 Stand News
【初選瘋狂搜捕】促歐盟剎停中歐投資協定 彭定康：中共可信屬妄想 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
警方今早以國安法拘捕 53 位民主派初選組織者及參與者等。末代港督彭定康發聲明，促請國際社會為香港發聲，並要求...
#Court #PoliticalSuppression
#EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau Expresses “Great Concern” Over Ongoing Prosecution of Pro-democracy Figures
Source: Stand News #April1
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29359
#EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau Expresses “Great Concern” Over Ongoing Prosecution of Pro-democracy Figures
Source: Stand News #April1
Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/29359
#Court #PoliticalSuppression
#EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau Expresses “Great Concern” Over Ongoing Prosecution of Pro-democracy Figures
The #EuropeanUnion Office to Hong Kong and Macau posted on Twitter on the evening of April 1, 2021 to express great concern about the ongoing prosecution of political figures in Hong Kong.
The Office also said that it had sent staff to listen to the hearing of the 7 democratic activists who were found guilty on April 1, 2021 and would continue to monitor the development of the situation for possible future actions.
On August 18, 2021, the Civil Human Rights Front (#CHRF) held a "running assembly" in #VictoriaPark in Hong Kong. Martin Lee Chu-ming, founding chairman of the #DemocraticParty, Jimmy Lai Chee-Ying, founder of #AppleDaily, were among the 7 pro-democracy activists who have been convicted of organizing and participating in unauthorized assembly.
Charles Whiteley, Deputy Head of the European Union Office of Hong Kong and Macau, was also present in court on April 1, 2021. He mentioned that the EU is highly concerned about these cases and will closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong.
Source: Stand News #April1
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/8-18-%E7%B6%AD%E5%9C%92%E6%A1%88-%E6%AD%90%E7%9B%9F%E6%B8%AF%E6%BE%B3%E8%BE%A7%E4%BA%8B%E8%99%95%E6%B4%BE%E5%93%A1%E8%81%BD%E8%A3%81%E6%B1%BA-%E9%AB%98%E5%BA%A6%E9%97%9C%E6%B3%A8-%E6%9C%AC%E6%B8%AF%E6%8C%81%E7%BA%8C%E6%AA%A2%E6%8E%A7%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB%E4%BA%BA%E7%89%A9/
#EU #47democrats #PoliceState #HongKongProtests
#EU Office to Hong Kong and Macau Expresses “Great Concern” Over Ongoing Prosecution of Pro-democracy Figures
The #EuropeanUnion Office to Hong Kong and Macau posted on Twitter on the evening of April 1, 2021 to express great concern about the ongoing prosecution of political figures in Hong Kong.
The Office also said that it had sent staff to listen to the hearing of the 7 democratic activists who were found guilty on April 1, 2021 and would continue to monitor the development of the situation for possible future actions.
On August 18, 2021, the Civil Human Rights Front (#CHRF) held a "running assembly" in #VictoriaPark in Hong Kong. Martin Lee Chu-ming, founding chairman of the #DemocraticParty, Jimmy Lai Chee-Ying, founder of #AppleDaily, were among the 7 pro-democracy activists who have been convicted of organizing and participating in unauthorized assembly.
Charles Whiteley, Deputy Head of the European Union Office of Hong Kong and Macau, was also present in court on April 1, 2021. He mentioned that the EU is highly concerned about these cases and will closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong.
Source: Stand News #April1
https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/8-18-%E7%B6%AD%E5%9C%92%E6%A1%88-%E6%AD%90%E7%9B%9F%E6%B8%AF%E6%BE%B3%E8%BE%A7%E4%BA%8B%E8%99%95%E6%B4%BE%E5%93%A1%E8%81%BD%E8%A3%81%E6%B1%BA-%E9%AB%98%E5%BA%A6%E9%97%9C%E6%B3%A8-%E6%9C%AC%E6%B8%AF%E6%8C%81%E7%BA%8C%E6%AA%A2%E6%8E%A7%E6%94%BF%E6%B2%BB%E4%BA%BA%E7%89%A9/
#EU #47democrats #PoliceState #HongKongProtests
China is betting that the West is in irreversible decline
ITS GAZE fixed on the prize of becoming rich and strong, China has spent the past 40 years as a risk-averse bully. Quick to inflict pain on smaller powers, it has been more cautious around any country capable of punching back. Recently, however, China’s risk calculations have seemed to change. First Yang Jiechi, the Communist Party’s foreign-policy chief, lectured American diplomats at a bilateral meeting in Alaska, pointing out the failings of American democracy. That earned him hero status back home. Then China imposed sanctions on British, Canadian and European Union politicians, diplomats, academics, lawyers and democracy campaigners. Those sweeping curbs were in retaliation for narrower Western sanctions targeting officials accused of repressing Muslims in the north-western region of Xinjiang.
Source: The Economist #Apr03
https://www.economist.com/china/2021/04/03/china-is-betting-that-the-west-is-in-irreversible-decline
#China #CCP #Sanctions #British #Canadian #EuropeanUnion
ITS GAZE fixed on the prize of becoming rich and strong, China has spent the past 40 years as a risk-averse bully. Quick to inflict pain on smaller powers, it has been more cautious around any country capable of punching back. Recently, however, China’s risk calculations have seemed to change. First Yang Jiechi, the Communist Party’s foreign-policy chief, lectured American diplomats at a bilateral meeting in Alaska, pointing out the failings of American democracy. That earned him hero status back home. Then China imposed sanctions on British, Canadian and European Union politicians, diplomats, academics, lawyers and democracy campaigners. Those sweeping curbs were in retaliation for narrower Western sanctions targeting officials accused of repressing Muslims in the north-western region of Xinjiang.
Source: The Economist #Apr03
https://www.economist.com/china/2021/04/03/china-is-betting-that-the-west-is-in-irreversible-decline
#China #CCP #Sanctions #British #Canadian #EuropeanUnion
The Economist
China is betting that the West is in irreversible decline
The country’s leaders see their moment, and are seizing it | China
Hungary prevents the EU from discussing Hong Kong related bills, members of the European Parliament denounced as “Trojan Horses” for China
According to the report from South China Morning Post, EU withdrew the proposal which related to China tighten Hong Kong governance, since they cannot get the recognitions from 27 member countries. Reuters stated that the proposal was rejected by Hungary. Hungary is considered to have close relations with China, and it is one of the countries that have signed the “One Belt One Road” agreement, and China was the biggest overseas investor of Hungary in 2020. SCMP quoted from a member of the European Parliament, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is being a “playing a double game” and attempting to profit by travelling between the EU and China. He described Hungary is “Trojan Horses” of China.
SMCP stated, this proposal originally scheduled for EU action, to respond to the “major electoral reforms implemented in Hong Kong”, saying that these reforms are different from Hong Kong’s ultimate promise of universal elections. The proposal listed 12 concrete actions, including comprehensive review the relations between EU and Hong Kong, discuss China’s “Extradition Law” with member countries, coordinate relations with Hong Kong with the United Nations and G7, review the rule of law in Hong Kong, respond to the Hong Kong version of the “National Security Law” which also applicable to local people in European Union, and strengthen cooperation with civil society to promote freedom of speech, and liaise with business and civil society organisations to “build a new platform for Hong Kong”.
This is not the first time that Hungary stops EU for taking actions to China. There were reports from last month which stated Hungary stops EU for announcing a statement condemning China’s implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong. The report quoted Senior EU diplomat and indicated, “The point of view of Hungary is, EU and China already have so many problems”.
Source: Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/3uMxMfe
#Hungary #EuropeanUnion #HongKong #China #UnitedNations #SMCP #Reuters #ExtraditionLaw #NationalSecurityLaw
According to the report from South China Morning Post, EU withdrew the proposal which related to China tighten Hong Kong governance, since they cannot get the recognitions from 27 member countries. Reuters stated that the proposal was rejected by Hungary. Hungary is considered to have close relations with China, and it is one of the countries that have signed the “One Belt One Road” agreement, and China was the biggest overseas investor of Hungary in 2020. SCMP quoted from a member of the European Parliament, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is being a “playing a double game” and attempting to profit by travelling between the EU and China. He described Hungary is “Trojan Horses” of China.
SMCP stated, this proposal originally scheduled for EU action, to respond to the “major electoral reforms implemented in Hong Kong”, saying that these reforms are different from Hong Kong’s ultimate promise of universal elections. The proposal listed 12 concrete actions, including comprehensive review the relations between EU and Hong Kong, discuss China’s “Extradition Law” with member countries, coordinate relations with Hong Kong with the United Nations and G7, review the rule of law in Hong Kong, respond to the Hong Kong version of the “National Security Law” which also applicable to local people in European Union, and strengthen cooperation with civil society to promote freedom of speech, and liaise with business and civil society organisations to “build a new platform for Hong Kong”.
This is not the first time that Hungary stops EU for taking actions to China. There were reports from last month which stated Hungary stops EU for announcing a statement condemning China’s implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong. The report quoted Senior EU diplomat and indicated, “The point of view of Hungary is, EU and China already have so many problems”.
Source: Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/3uMxMfe
#Hungary #EuropeanUnion #HongKong #China #UnitedNations #SMCP #Reuters #ExtraditionLaw #NationalSecurityLaw
立場新聞 Stand News
匈牙利再阻歐盟討論香港相關議案 歐洲議會議員斥為中國做「特洛伊木馬」 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
《南華早報》報道，歐盟再因無法取得 27 成員國的認可，撤回一份有關中國收緊香港管治的議案。《路透社》指議案是...
Nearly half of the Chinese government’s acquisition of European companies by Chinese companies involves the Chinese government. The EU plans new regulations to restrict foreign subsidised acquisition
Last year there was a research referred to the 650 acquisitions of European companies by Chinese companies since 2010, of which about 40% “involved high or medium state-owned or state-controlled enterprises”. EU announced on local time today (5May), which intended to restrict foreign subsidized companies from acquiring EU companies or participating in public tenders. Those introduction page of the regulations does not mention about China, however many foreign media stated this action is targeting the behaviours of China. One of the members in European Parliament indicated, “EU failed to ensure the principle of neutrality of competition while facing China, so that European industrial policy must now defend its own interests”.
For a long time, the EU has not allowed member states to provide financial support to enterprises under the circumstances of harming fair competition. However, this ban is not limited to foreign subsidized companies. This new regulation aims to plug this loophole. The new regulation stipulates of receiving foreign subsidies acquires a European company with a value of 500 million euros (about 4.66 billion HKD) or more, at least 50 million euros (about 470 million HKD) are from foreign subsidies; or 250 million euros (approximately HKD$2.33 billion) above procurement contracts, the European Commission will investigate.
Source: Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/2RGQNBH
#China #EuropeanUnion #Acquisition #Regulation #NationalSecurity #Enterprises
Last year there was a research referred to the 650 acquisitions of European companies by Chinese companies since 2010, of which about 40% “involved high or medium state-owned or state-controlled enterprises”. EU announced on local time today (5May), which intended to restrict foreign subsidized companies from acquiring EU companies or participating in public tenders. Those introduction page of the regulations does not mention about China, however many foreign media stated this action is targeting the behaviours of China. One of the members in European Parliament indicated, “EU failed to ensure the principle of neutrality of competition while facing China, so that European industrial policy must now defend its own interests”.
For a long time, the EU has not allowed member states to provide financial support to enterprises under the circumstances of harming fair competition. However, this ban is not limited to foreign subsidized companies. This new regulation aims to plug this loophole. The new regulation stipulates of receiving foreign subsidies acquires a European company with a value of 500 million euros (about 4.66 billion HKD) or more, at least 50 million euros (about 470 million HKD) are from foreign subsidies; or 250 million euros (approximately HKD$2.33 billion) above procurement contracts, the European Commission will investigate.
Source: Stand News #May06
https://bit.ly/2RGQNBH
#China #EuropeanUnion #Acquisition #Regulation #NationalSecurity #Enterprises
立場新聞 Stand News
中國公司收購歐洲企業近半涉華政府 歐盟擬新例限制外國補貼收購活動 | 立場報道 | 立場新聞
去年曾有研究指 2010 年來 650 宗中國公司對歐洲企業的收購案中，約 4 成「涉及高或中度與國企或國家控...
The European Parliament discusses further measures to counter foreign intervention, focusing on China and Russia
Europe is considering implementing an “Anti-Foreign Intervention Law", like Australia, to contend against foreign political propaganda and to influence the development of local democracy.
The European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference and Disinformation (#INGE) discussed a 33-page draft report in Brussels on Tuesday (9th November). Among them, 40 mentions of China, more than twice of Russia. Participants urged the EU to set up a special task force to monitor the intervention from China.
After the INGE delegation composed of transnational members of the European Parliament visited Taiwan last week, the European Parliament this week immediately discussed that the #EU should take further measures to deal with foreign intervention and threats such as China and Russia.
A draft report mentioned that some authoritarian powers try to penetrate Europe, especially the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP). The report stated that the counteraction could take Australia and New Zealand as a reference, and it will be submitted to the European Parliament for a non-binding vote early next year.
Source: Stand News #Nov10
https://bit.ly/3m0TMAW
#EuropeanParliament #EuropeanUnion #China #Russia #Intervention
Europe is considering implementing an “Anti-Foreign Intervention Law", like Australia, to contend against foreign political propaganda and to influence the development of local democracy.
The European Parliament’s Special Committee on Foreign Interference and Disinformation (#INGE) discussed a 33-page draft report in Brussels on Tuesday (9th November). Among them, 40 mentions of China, more than twice of Russia. Participants urged the EU to set up a special task force to monitor the intervention from China.
After the INGE delegation composed of transnational members of the European Parliament visited Taiwan last week, the European Parliament this week immediately discussed that the #EU should take further measures to deal with foreign intervention and threats such as China and Russia.
A draft report mentioned that some authoritarian powers try to penetrate Europe, especially the United Front Work Department of the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP). The report stated that the counteraction could take Australia and New Zealand as a reference, and it will be submitted to the European Parliament for a non-binding vote early next year.
Source: Stand News #Nov10
https://bit.ly/3m0TMAW
#EuropeanParliament #EuropeanUnion #China #Russia #Intervention
#Beijing Attempts to Silence Consulates' June 4th Commemoration in Hong Kong
On the eve of June 4th, Beijing's foreign affairs office in Hong Kong sent warning to different consulates, asking them not to "make any gesture" on June 4, 2022.
June 4th 2022 marks the 33 year-mark of the Tiananmen Massacre in Beijing, where the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) government brutally cracked down pro-democracy civilians in 1989.
Commemorative events such as candlelight vigil had been annually held in Hong Kong until the enforcement of the #NationalSecurityLaw in 2020.
Beijing's office claimed that the commemorative activities in Hong Kong were organized by "a small fraction of anti-China people with hostility towards the Chinese government". According to CCP, there is "no need to remember June 4th".
On June 4, 2022, the US consulate and the Australia consulate in Hong Kong posted the Pillar of Shame and a candlelight image on their social media platform respectively, in commemoration of the victims of the 1989 June 4th Tiananmen Massacre. The Polish Consulate-general fearured candles in their social media post. Both the US consulate-general and the #EuropeanUnion office in Hong Kong lit candles on their windows.
Source: Lady Liberty; Mingpao; InMedia #June4
https://bit.ly/3teumDA
https://www.facebook.com/LadyLibertyHongKong/photos/a.104843870902055/791906062195829/
https://bit.ly/3xlvEiA
#Remembrance #Censorship #PoliticalSuppression
On the eve of June 4th, Beijing's foreign affairs office in Hong Kong sent warning to different consulates, asking them not to "make any gesture" on June 4, 2022.
June 4th 2022 marks the 33 year-mark of the Tiananmen Massacre in Beijing, where the Chinese Communist Party (#CCP) government brutally cracked down pro-democracy civilians in 1989.
Commemorative events such as candlelight vigil had been annually held in Hong Kong until the enforcement of the #NationalSecurityLaw in 2020.
Beijing's office claimed that the commemorative activities in Hong Kong were organized by "a small fraction of anti-China people with hostility towards the Chinese government". According to CCP, there is "no need to remember June 4th".
On June 4, 2022, the US consulate and the Australia consulate in Hong Kong posted the Pillar of Shame and a candlelight image on their social media platform respectively, in commemoration of the victims of the 1989 June 4th Tiananmen Massacre. The Polish Consulate-general fearured candles in their social media post. Both the US consulate-general and the #EuropeanUnion office in Hong Kong lit candles on their windows.
Source: Lady Liberty; Mingpao; InMedia #June4
https://bit.ly/3teumDA
https://www.facebook.com/LadyLibertyHongKong/photos/a.104843870902055/791906062195829/
https://bit.ly/3xlvEiA
#Remembrance #Censorship #PoliticalSuppression
Swiss set to match #EU sanctions if #China invades #Taiwan - agency chief
//The head of the Swiss agency that implements economic sanctions expects the neutral country to adopt any punitive measures the #EuropeanUnion launches against China if it invades Taiwan, she said in a newspaper interview.
China has been stepping up military activity around Taiwan seeking to pressure the democratically elected government there to accept Chinese sovereignty...
Asked by the Neue Zuercher Zeitung paper if #Switzerland would adopt EU sanctions against China in that case, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (#SECO) Director Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch said: "I strongly believe that we would adopt such sanctions.//
Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/swiss-china/swiss-set-to-match-eu-sanctions-if-china-invades-taiwan-agency-chief-idINL8N2ZB097
Source: Reuters #Jul30
#ChineseInvasion #Sanction #CrossStraits
//The head of the Swiss agency that implements economic sanctions expects the neutral country to adopt any punitive measures the #EuropeanUnion launches against China if it invades Taiwan, she said in a newspaper interview.
China has been stepping up military activity around Taiwan seeking to pressure the democratically elected government there to accept Chinese sovereignty...
Asked by the Neue Zuercher Zeitung paper if #Switzerland would adopt EU sanctions against China in that case, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (#SECO) Director Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch said: "I strongly believe that we would adopt such sanctions.//
Read more:
https://www.reuters.com/article/swiss-china/swiss-set-to-match-eu-sanctions-if-china-invades-taiwan-agency-chief-idINL8N2ZB097
Source: Reuters #Jul30
#ChineseInvasion #Sanction #CrossStraits