Political and human rights situation in China - a source of EU concern

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Sep 2006

The European Parliament debated last night the report on EU-China relations that takes a critical line on the political and human rights situation in the country - on issues ranging from Tibet to Taiwan and from the death penalty to animal welfare.

Cecilia MALMSTRÖM MEP (Sweden), ALDE spokesperson on EU-China relations considers China as "an increasingly important partner for the EU in many aspects and it is high time for a coherent and strategic partnership. Liberal democrat welcome the trade with China as we believe that trade brings countries together and in the long term it promotes rules, better governance, more transparency and less corruption. Trade also leads to increased growth and welfare which has lifted millions of Chinese people out of poverty. China is also a deeply undemocratic country where human rights are constantly violated. As politicians, businessmen and consumers we have the moral duty to never refrain from criticising the lack of democracy and basic rights in our relations with China."

On the same matter, Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE Group stated that : "As a Liberal I believe the time has come for China to put into practice what it has long stated in principle: 'Gai Ge, Kai Fang' - Change the System and Open the Door. Deng Xiaoping's rallying cry transformed China into an economic powerhouse. In my view 'Reform and Opening' should now evolve to embrace the ideals of human rights, democracy, and freedom that those words can, and should, entail if China is to play its full part in the international community."