#Solidarity #GlobalSupport
#US Consulate and #EU Office Join #Hongkongers to Mourn on June 4th

On the evening of June 4, 2021, candles are placed on the window side of both the American Consulate General and the European Union Office
in Hong Kong in commemoration of those deceased in the June Fourth #TiananmenMassacre.

Source: Stand News #Jun4
https://www.facebook.com/710476795704610/posts/4228075777278010/

Planned Chinese university in Hungary rouses widespread protest

There are no signs of any excavators or cranes yet in the Budapest district of Ferencvaros. But Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government is hoping to see them roar into action soon. China's renowned Shanghai-based Fudan University intends to open its first foreign campus here in 2024 as the first Chinese university in the European Union.

But the plan has met with considerable opposition. According to a recent poll by Budapest's Republikon Institute, 66% of Hungarians oppose the construction project, including many supporters of the ruling Fidesz party. The opposition is trying to prevent the campus with all means at its disposal, above all, Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karacsony of Hungary's green-liberal party Parbeszed. He wants to enter the race against Viktor Orban in next year's parliamentary elections for the united opposition list.

Source : Deutsche Wells #Jun04

https://bit.ly/3x3dC1A

#Chinese #University #EU #Hungary

Britain should invite Taiwan to the G7 and Cop26
 
The UK is in the middle of its most important foreign policy pivot of this century, as it moves away from the EU and tries to carve out an independent place on the world stage. Ministers like to call this new vision “Global Britain”. And one of the most significant changes in strategic stance so far has been a shift of attention towards the Indo-Pacific region. If Britain wants to play a significant role in that area, it should get as close as possible to Taiwan.
 
Source: The Times #May11

https://t.co/8dqJr7RWkd

#Britain #Taiwan #G7 #EU

#FakeNews
China says Microsoft hacking accusations fabricated by US and allies

The US and other Western countries on Monday accused China of hacking Microsoft Exchange - a popular email platform used by companies worldwide.

They said it was part of a broader pattern of "reckless" behaviour that threatened global security.

China says it opposes all forms of cyber-crime, and has called the claims "fabricated".

China's foreign ministry spokesman said the US had got its allies to make "unreasonable criticisms" against China.

The UK, EU, New Zealand, Australia and others joined the US to accuse Chinese state-sponsored hackers.

Source: BBC #Jul20

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-57898147

#China #Microsoft #Hacking #US #UK #EU #NewZealand #Australia

More than 20 Diplomats in Beijing Calling China to Release the 2 Arrested Canadians;
China Criticizes Canada for “Gathering Nations and Confusing Right and Wrong”.

Canadian merchant Michael Spavor was being convicted of espionage by a Chinese court and sentenced to 11-year imprisonment. Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau criticized the trial process as a sham trial, being unfair and Opaque.

Diplomats from more than 20 countries, including the United States, Japan, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the EU, gathered at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing to show their supports. They urged to have a fair trial or a release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Canada for “gathering individual countries, disregarding the facts and confusing the right and wrong”.

Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau stated in the live broadcast at CTV Television Network on August 11 that the sentence is a lack of fairness and transparency. He also indicated that “We are known that arbitrary detention of China and a sham trial with a lack of transparency and with an unreasonable judgement do not match the International Law”. He continued that the Canadian government was negotiating with Senior officials from China and the US, finding the solution to release both. However, Marc did not reveal any details.

Source: Stand News #Aug12

https://bit.ly/3jaPXb4

#Canada #China #Japan #UnitedStates #UnitedKingdom #Australia #Germany #EU #Embassy #ShamTrial #Transparency #Unfairness #ForeignAffairs #MichaelKovrig #MichaelSpavor #MarcGarneau

Setting up a Lithuanian Representative Office in Taiwan Deteriorates the China-Lithuania Relation and Recalls Each Other’s Ambassadors

Taiwan will set up “The Taiwanese Representative Office in Lithuania”, the first Taiwanese representative office in European countries.

Lithuania originally has diplomatic relations with China. Therefore, this is the first time for Taiwan to set up a representative office in a country that already has relations with China. China then immediately recalls the ambassadors in Lithuania for protest. It is the first time for China recalling their ambassadors from European countries since the European Union establishment in 1993. China has also requested for recalling the ambassadors of Lithuania in China.

Source: Stand News #Aug12

https://bit.ly/3C23wQM

#China #Lithuania #Taiwan #RepresentativeOffice #Europe #EU #Ambaasadors #Diplomate

China hits back after EU official joins call for cooperation on pandemic origins probe

A joint statement asks Beijing ‘to reconsider its decision to not engage in the WHO’s proposal for the next phase of the COVID-19 origins study.’

In a veiled warning to Brussels, Chinese officials urged Wednesday an end to "politicizing the issue of origins tracing" amid growing pressure on Beijing to allow for a more thorough investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

The statement, made by China's mission to the EU, comes after Research and Innovation Commissioner Mariya Gabriel added her name on Tuesday to a group of scientific experts and government representatives from the U.S., Australia and Japan. In a statement, they called on the "Chinese government to reconsider its decision to not engage in the World Health Organization's proposal for the next phase of the COVID-19 origins study."

Source: Politico #Jul28

https://t.co/PRgbH8QYkw

#EU #Statement #China #Covid19

#PreferentialTradeTreatment
32 countries cancelled China’s preferential trade treatment

China will no longer be eligible for Gereralised System of Preferences (#GSP) trade benefits from 27 EU nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, and Liechtenstein as of December 1, leaving the country with only three options: Norway, New Zealand, and Australia.

On October 28, the General Administration of Customs of the Communist Party of China (#GACC) issued the “Announcement on No longer issuing GSP certificates of origin for goods exported to EU member states, the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Ukraine, Liechtenstein and other countries.”

Although the GACC louds the action as "an acknowledgement by other advanced economies, economists have predicted that labor-intensive enterprises will face the brunt of the change.

#China #EU #TradeWar

Sources: Taiwan News, Epoch Times; #Nov2
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4333651

US and EU Responded to the Mass Disqualification of District Councillors

#HKSAR government demanded all #DistrictCouncillors (DC) in Hong Kong to take an oath earlier. 55 DC lost their seats in total as 49 councillors in democratic parties were disqualified due to invalid vows. 6 directly lost their seats due to the absence of #oath. More than 200 DC had resigned earlier due to the oath request.

The US State Department issued a statement on Oct 21, keeping their concerns to the #HumanRights and the #Freedom in Hong Kong, including the continuous erosion of political participation, especially under the National Security Law (#NSL) which increases prosecution with political motivation.

The statement also said that the prosecution was directed to teachers, unions, lawyers, journalists, medical staff, student unions and citizens. The mass DC disqualification is simply to stop HKers to manage their homeland meaningfully.

US State Department again called Beijing and the Hong Kong authority to release people who are detained unfairly, and stop the suppression of peaceful civil organizations. They also pointed out that HKers and the energetic civil society are always the biggest resources in Hong Kong, as well as the foundation of being a successful international finance hub. The US will continue to support HKers, their rights and their freedom.

EU: Chilling effect occurs under NSL

The #EU External Action Service issued another statement on the same day, saying that HK government disqualifying most of the democratic councillors means denying the DC #election result in 2019. And that excluding the democratic parties from the political participation would weaken Hong Kong democratic governance structure.

The EU indicated that the pressure of civil society is increasing as many unions and organizations in Hong Kong have disbanded. This, again, shows the chilling effect on the rights and freedom in Hong Kong under the NSL and becomes the core of suppressing dissidents.

Source: Stand News #Oct22

https://bit.ly/3DeyQgm

#Disqualification #TakeOath #US StateDepartment

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

#Statement
#G7, #EU and the #Five Eyes Express Concerns Over China's Control of Hong Kong #LegCoElection

Source: Hong Kong Watch #Dec21

Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️

#Statement
#G7, #EU and the #Five Eyes Express Concerns Over China's Control of Hong Kong #LegCoElection

//The Five Eyes and G7 together with the high representatives of the European Union, have issued joint statements expressing deep concern that the Chinese Communist Party has taken away the few remaining democratic elements of Hong Kong's electoral system.

Both statements pointed out that the newly reformed electoral system, with fewer directly elected seats and new vetting procedures that restrict voter choice, undermines the high degree of autonomy promised to Hong Kong in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

Both joint statements call on China to act in accordance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration and other legal obligations, and to respect the basic human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong as promised in the Basic Law.

They also called on the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to stop suppressing dissenting voices and to stop unreasonably suppressing those who advocate democratic values and defend freedom and human rights.//

[Editor's notes: The Five Eyes countries are the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The G7 countries are US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.]

Read the statements by the UK Foreign Ministry:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-issues-joint-statement-with-international-partners-on-hong-kong-elections-20-december-2021

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/g7-foreign-ministers-issue-joint-statement-on-hong-kong-elections

Source: Hong Kong Watch #Dec21
https://www.facebook.com/HongKongWatchOrg/posts/4540172279436543

#HongKongWatch #LegcoElection #FakeElection

#Interview #StandNews
#EU ambassador in Hong Kong : Impact of #NationalSecurityLaw ripples beyond political groups to civil rights groups for women and labour

Source: Stand News #Dec10

Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️

#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 forces”.

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 woman’s rights and labor rights.

We’ve seen, really, our ability to reach out diminished. We’ve had much less contact than we had in the past,” Gnocchi said.

“There are much less stakeholder groups, across political and civil spectrums, that are still willing to meet with us. These groups normally don’t have any national security concerns, but none wants to take any risk,” Gnocchi said many of these groups cited “play it safe” 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.

“Civil rights group has a vital role to play in raising public awareness [on various societal issues] and holding authorities accountable for their policies.” 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, “in the EU, there are many groups that always criticize us, but their role is important.” He continued saying, “if 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.”

Gnocchi acknowledged that he has witnessed many “inevitable changes” 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 world’s 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
⬇️⬇️⬇️

#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 EU’s stance, “the National Security Law has inhibited specific political rights.” “We see some issues are in a way quite problematic,” he added.

When talking about the relationship between Hong Kong government and media, Gnocchi agreed that it has become worrying. He said, “We’ve put forth our concern on this matter to Hong Kong authorities. This is what we can do on our side.”

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, “It's a matter of trade-offs.” “For 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.” 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 €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

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 ‘one China, one Taiwan’ 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 Adomėnas 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 #MantasAdomėnas

#EU has ‘very reliable evidence’ #China is considering military support for #Russia

Source: Politico #Mar17

#RussianInvasion #Ukraine #Weapon

Read more
⬇️⬇️⬇️

#EU has ‘very reliable evidence’ #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 what’s 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

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