#Interview #StandNews
#EU ambassador in Hong Kong : Impact of #NationalSecurityLaw ripples beyond political groups to civil rights groups for women and labour
On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, told now-defunct online media outlet, Stand News that many civil rights groups in Hong Kong, which used to have close contact with the office, have been avoiding meetings with them for fear of being accused of "colluding with foreign forcesā.
In 2021, many of the civil rights groups in Hong Kong disbanded and some left. Gnocchi admitted that it has become ever more difficult to seek partnership even with non-political groups for advocacy on issues like womanās rights and labor rights.
Weāve seen, really, our ability to reach out diminished. Weāve had much less contact than we had in the past,ā Gnocchi said.
āThere are much less stakeholder groups, across political and civil spectrums, that are still willing to meet with us. These groups normally donāt have any national security concerns, but none wants to take any risk,ā Gnocchi said many of these groups cited āplay it safeā when declining meeting invitation.
Gnocchi indicated that the office is conscious of the situation in Hong Kong and it does not want to put anyone at risk. However, he emphasized that meetings with non-profit organisations are normal diplomatic activities, which shouldn't be restricted.
Having worked in Serbia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kosovo and other places, Gnocchi has witnessed the shrinking spaces in civil society in different places. He believes that the loss of civil society will throw negative impact on the entire country.
āCivil rights group has a vital role to play in raising public awareness [on various societal issues] and holding authorities accountable for their policies.ā Not only those civil groups providing food, education, and medicine at the grassroots level should be protected, the authorities should also create space for policy advocacy groups.
Gnocchi stressed that, āin the EU, there are many groups that always criticize us, but their role is important.ā He continued saying, āif civil society disappears, you lose one pillar of accountability. I think this is why we are so vocal about the role of civil society. I can only stress how important it is to maintain this space alive.ā
Gnocchi acknowledged that he has witnessed many āinevitable changesā after the change in sovereignty in Hong Kong. Taking office after the implementation of National Security Law, Gnocchi regretted seeing growing oppression in this once the worldās freest society.
Continue with Part 2
#InternationalConcern
Source: Stand News #Dec10
#EU ambassador in Hong Kong : Impact of #NationalSecurityLaw ripples beyond political groups to civil rights groups for women and labour
On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, told now-defunct online media outlet, Stand News that many civil rights groups in Hong Kong, which used to have close contact with the office, have been avoiding meetings with them for fear of being accused of "colluding with foreign forcesā.
In 2021, many of the civil rights groups in Hong Kong disbanded and some left. Gnocchi admitted that it has become ever more difficult to seek partnership even with non-political groups for advocacy on issues like womanās rights and labor rights.
Weāve seen, really, our ability to reach out diminished. Weāve had much less contact than we had in the past,ā Gnocchi said.
āThere are much less stakeholder groups, across political and civil spectrums, that are still willing to meet with us. These groups normally donāt have any national security concerns, but none wants to take any risk,ā Gnocchi said many of these groups cited āplay it safeā when declining meeting invitation.
Gnocchi indicated that the office is conscious of the situation in Hong Kong and it does not want to put anyone at risk. However, he emphasized that meetings with non-profit organisations are normal diplomatic activities, which shouldn't be restricted.
Having worked in Serbia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kosovo and other places, Gnocchi has witnessed the shrinking spaces in civil society in different places. He believes that the loss of civil society will throw negative impact on the entire country.
āCivil rights group has a vital role to play in raising public awareness [on various societal issues] and holding authorities accountable for their policies.ā Not only those civil groups providing food, education, and medicine at the grassroots level should be protected, the authorities should also create space for policy advocacy groups.
Gnocchi stressed that, āin the EU, there are many groups that always criticize us, but their role is important.ā He continued saying, āif civil society disappears, you lose one pillar of accountability. I think this is why we are so vocal about the role of civil society. I can only stress how important it is to maintain this space alive.ā
Gnocchi acknowledged that he has witnessed many āinevitable changesā after the change in sovereignty in Hong Kong. Taking office after the implementation of National Security Law, Gnocchi regretted seeing growing oppression in this once the worldās freest society.
Continue with Part 2
#InternationalConcern
Source: Stand News #Dec10
#Interview #StandNews
#EU Ambassador to Hong Kong: #NationalSecurityLaw has inhibited specific political rights and civil society in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News #Dec10
Read more
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
#EU Ambassador to Hong Kong: #NationalSecurityLaw has inhibited specific political rights and civil society in Hong Kong
Source: Stand News #Dec10
Read more
ā¬ļøā¬ļøā¬ļø
#Interview #StandNews
#EU Ambassador to Hong Kong: #NationalSecurityLaw has inhibited specific political rights and civil society in Hong Kong
[Editor's notes: On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, told now-defunct online media outlet, Stand News that he witnessed many changes in thr city after the change of sovereignty in 1997.]
Read Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31885
In January, 2021, the Hong Kong national security bureau arrested #47Democrats over their organisation and participation in a Legislative Council election primaries, which marked one of the largest crackdowns on civil society by the Hong Kong authorities.
Thomas Gnocchi, EU Ambassador to Hong Kong and Macau, said he is aware of the cases linked to national security violations and extended detention period before a trial actually took place.
Although he declined to comment on these on-going cases, Gnocchi reiterated EUās stance, āthe National Security Law has inhibited specific political rights.ā āWe see some issues are in a way quite problematic,ā he added.
When talking about the relationship between Hong Kong government and media, Gnocchi agreed that it has become worrying. He said, āWeāve put forth our concern on this matter to Hong Kong authorities. This is what we can do on our side.ā
China has been the EU's largest trading partner since 2020. During the 7-year-long negotiation over the China-EU Comprehensive Investment Agreement, human rights issues in China has always been an obstacle. In May 2021, the European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a freeze on the ratification process of the Agreement, saying that the move is aimed at Beijing's sanctions on EU personnel and Hong Kong, Xinjiang and other human rights issues.
On China-EU political conflicts and economic cooperation, Gnocchi claimed that, āIt's a matter of trade-offs.ā āFor us, we have put forward a wide range of topics for discussion, and we hope that a complete set of topics can be discussed. These issues are all interconnected to us, and you are unlikely to separate them.ā Gnocchi said.
On December 10, 2021, the EU made its latest Declaration of Human Rights, stating that it has been strengthening human rights protections around the globe during 2021. For the first time, the EU imposed sanctions on people or regimes involved in serious human rights violations and abuses, including China, North Korea, Libya, South Sudan, Eritrea and Russia.
In 2021-2027, the EU will invest over ā¬1.5 billion in support of development of civil rights groups and human rights groups. The declaration concluded by stating that "the realization of human rights is not only a priority for the dignity of mankind; it is the cornerstone of democracy, peace and security and sustainable development".
Source: Stand News #Dec10
#EU Ambassador to Hong Kong: #NationalSecurityLaw has inhibited specific political rights and civil society in Hong Kong
[Editor's notes: On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, told now-defunct online media outlet, Stand News that he witnessed many changes in thr city after the change of sovereignty in 1997.]
Read Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/31885
In January, 2021, the Hong Kong national security bureau arrested #47Democrats over their organisation and participation in a Legislative Council election primaries, which marked one of the largest crackdowns on civil society by the Hong Kong authorities.
Thomas Gnocchi, EU Ambassador to Hong Kong and Macau, said he is aware of the cases linked to national security violations and extended detention period before a trial actually took place.
Although he declined to comment on these on-going cases, Gnocchi reiterated EUās stance, āthe National Security Law has inhibited specific political rights.ā āWe see some issues are in a way quite problematic,ā he added.
When talking about the relationship between Hong Kong government and media, Gnocchi agreed that it has become worrying. He said, āWeāve put forth our concern on this matter to Hong Kong authorities. This is what we can do on our side.ā
China has been the EU's largest trading partner since 2020. During the 7-year-long negotiation over the China-EU Comprehensive Investment Agreement, human rights issues in China has always been an obstacle. In May 2021, the European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a freeze on the ratification process of the Agreement, saying that the move is aimed at Beijing's sanctions on EU personnel and Hong Kong, Xinjiang and other human rights issues.
On China-EU political conflicts and economic cooperation, Gnocchi claimed that, āIt's a matter of trade-offs.ā āFor us, we have put forward a wide range of topics for discussion, and we hope that a complete set of topics can be discussed. These issues are all interconnected to us, and you are unlikely to separate them.ā Gnocchi said.
On December 10, 2021, the EU made its latest Declaration of Human Rights, stating that it has been strengthening human rights protections around the globe during 2021. For the first time, the EU imposed sanctions on people or regimes involved in serious human rights violations and abuses, including China, North Korea, Libya, South Sudan, Eritrea and Russia.
In 2021-2027, the EU will invest over ā¬1.5 billion in support of development of civil rights groups and human rights groups. The declaration concluded by stating that "the realization of human rights is not only a priority for the dignity of mankind; it is the cornerstone of democracy, peace and security and sustainable development".
Source: Stand News #Dec10
Telegram
š”Guardians of Hong Kong
#Interview #StandNews
#EU ambassador in Hong Kong : Impact of #NationalSecurityLaw ripples beyond political groups to civil rights groups for women and labour
On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the Europeanā¦
#EU ambassador in Hong Kong : Impact of #NationalSecurityLaw ripples beyond political groups to civil rights groups for women and labour
On the World Human Rights Day (December 10, 2021), Ambassador #ThomasGnocchi, Head of the Europeanā¦
Reuters: China puts pressure multinational firms to break ties with Lithuania or be driven out of China market
The relationship between China and Lithuania is still poor. Chinese customs recently removed Lithuania from its list of "countries of origin", making it impossible for Lithuanian goods to enter China, and Lithuania's foreign minister asked the European Union to intervene with China.
The Reuters news agency on Thursday (9 December) quoted Lithuania's deputy foreign minister and representatives of local industry that China had asked a number of multinational companies to cut ties with Lithuania or else drive them out of the Chinese market.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin responded on Thursday that he did not understand the situation reported by Reuters, but stressed that China has always acted in accordance with WTO rules, criticizing "Lithuania's betrayal of trust and justice, blatantly violating the political promises made to China when the two countries established diplomatic relations, creating āone China, one Taiwanā in the world and seriously undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", and that China is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reuters quoted Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas AdomÄnas as saying that China is putting pressure on multinational companies, saying that if they use Lithuanian-made components and goods, they can no longer sell in the Chinese market or get supplies in China, and some companies have already cancelled contracts with Lithuanian suppliers.
Source: StandNews #Dec10
#Reuters #Lithuania #ChinaLithuaniaRelation #EU #ChineseCustoms #Lithuaniangoods #ChineseForeignMinistry #WangWenbin #LithuanianForeignMinistry #MantasAdomÄnas
The relationship between China and Lithuania is still poor. Chinese customs recently removed Lithuania from its list of "countries of origin", making it impossible for Lithuanian goods to enter China, and Lithuania's foreign minister asked the European Union to intervene with China.
The Reuters news agency on Thursday (9 December) quoted Lithuania's deputy foreign minister and representatives of local industry that China had asked a number of multinational companies to cut ties with Lithuania or else drive them out of the Chinese market.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin responded on Thursday that he did not understand the situation reported by Reuters, but stressed that China has always acted in accordance with WTO rules, criticizing "Lithuania's betrayal of trust and justice, blatantly violating the political promises made to China when the two countries established diplomatic relations, creating āone China, one Taiwanā in the world and seriously undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", and that China is determined to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Reuters quoted Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas AdomÄnas as saying that China is putting pressure on multinational companies, saying that if they use Lithuanian-made components and goods, they can no longer sell in the Chinese market or get supplies in China, and some companies have already cancelled contracts with Lithuanian suppliers.
Source: StandNews #Dec10
#Reuters #Lithuania #ChinaLithuaniaRelation #EU #ChineseCustoms #Lithuaniangoods #ChineseForeignMinistry #WangWenbin #LithuanianForeignMinistry #MantasAdomÄnas
#EU has āvery reliable evidenceā #China is considering military support for #Russia
//EU leaders are in possession of "very reliable evidence" that China is considering military assistance to Russia, a senior EU official told POLITICO, threatening potential trade measures if weapons' deliveries go ahead.
It follows a similar warning from U.S. officials earlier this week that the Russian government had asked China for military equipment and other support, as POLITICO and other media outlets reported. A subsequent Financial Times report said China signaled openness to the request.
"EU leaders have very reliable evidence that China is considering providing military aid to Russia. All the leaders are very aware of whatās going on," the senior EU official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly about confidential information.
"We are concerned about the fact that China is flirting with the Russians," he added. The EU will "impose trade barriers against China" should Beijing proceed with Russia's request, he said, as "this is the only language Beijing understands."//
Read the full article:
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-has-very-reliable-evidence-china-is-considering-military-aid-for-russia/
Source: Politico #Mar17
#RussianInvasion #Ukraine #Weapon
//EU leaders are in possession of "very reliable evidence" that China is considering military assistance to Russia, a senior EU official told POLITICO, threatening potential trade measures if weapons' deliveries go ahead.
It follows a similar warning from U.S. officials earlier this week that the Russian government had asked China for military equipment and other support, as POLITICO and other media outlets reported. A subsequent Financial Times report said China signaled openness to the request.
"EU leaders have very reliable evidence that China is considering providing military aid to Russia. All the leaders are very aware of whatās going on," the senior EU official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak publicly about confidential information.
"We are concerned about the fact that China is flirting with the Russians," he added. The EU will "impose trade barriers against China" should Beijing proceed with Russia's request, he said, as "this is the only language Beijing understands."//
Read the full article:
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-has-very-reliable-evidence-china-is-considering-military-aid-for-russia/
Source: Politico #Mar17
#RussianInvasion #Ukraine #Weapon
POLITICO
EU has āvery reliable evidenceā China is considering military support for Russia
EU official threatens trade measures against Beijing if the armsā deliveries go ahead.
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