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EU leaders clarify Taiwan-China stance
European Union leaders have taken a stance on the cross-Taiwan Strait issue for the first time, saying during a summit that they are against any unilateral moves to change the status quo.
The EU leaders said in the conclusions issued after the two-day European Council meeting that the East and South China Seas are of strategic importance for regional and global prosperity and security, and the EU is concerned about growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
The EU also expressed concerns about how China handles human rights issues, including forced labour, the treatment of human rights defenders and minorities, the situation in Tibet and Xinjiang, and the honouring of its previous commitments related to Hong Kong.
The EU said, however, it will continue to engage with China to tackle global challenges and encourage China to take more ambitious action on climate change, biodiversity, pandemic preparedness and humanitarian assistance, among other issues.
