BETA


2012/2137(INI) EU-China relations

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead AFET BELDER Bas (icon: EFD EFD)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2013/03/14
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2013/03/14
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on EU-China relations.

It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

Members, Parliament considers that a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

Members go on to make a series of recommendations on the main themes of the EU-China partnership.

(1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation : Parliament supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products , in view of its impact on public health and safety. They believe, moreover, that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China.

It also expects Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen a long-term strategy EU-China Strategic Partnership.

Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

(2) Internal situation : Parliament recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals, a lack of transparency and a ‘red aristocracy’ of close family members of former and present party leaders who possess enormous fortunes owing to their political and economic connections.

Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

As regards forced abortions , although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

(3) Human rights and democracy : the resolution admires and supports the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. It urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards . Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules , including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods that have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities that gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

It also underlines the importance of the rapid implementation of all International Labour Organisation rules, and takes the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child or prison camp labour.

The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment .

As regards the freedom of the media , Parliament stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

On religion , Parliament urges the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief . It recalls that the Chinese state recognises only five religions, namely Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and Christianity (both Catholicism and Protestantism), and that all of these religions have centralised governing bodies loyal to the CCP. It also recalls that China has banned Falun Gong since 1999 with the aim of eradicating the practice, and as a consequence of this ban, human rights organisations have reported extralegal coercive measures sometimes resulting in death.

Recalling that since 2009 at least 90 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibetan-populated areas of China, Parliament urges the Chinese Government to act in a politically responsible way by meaningfully engaging the Tibetan and Uighur peoples in governance issues, rather than through forcible assimilation.

(4) External situation : Parliament urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. Parliament considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa .

Parliament underlines the global importance of the South China Sea , through which one third of the world's trade passes and is alarmed at the escalating tension. It urgently appeals to all the parties involved to refrain from unilateral political and military actions, to tone down statements and to settle their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea by means of international arbitration. It considers it regrettable, that the survival of the dictatorial and repressive North Korean regime depends essentially on China. It looks forward to China continuing to take responsibility for stability on the Korean Peninsula, a swift resumption of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear threat. It is seriously worried about the escalating tensions between China and Japan. It calls on all parties concerned ( China, Japan and Taiwan ) to demonstrate restraint and to take steps to calm the situation on the disputed islands.

Parliament encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change .

Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

Documents
2013/03/14
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2013/03/13
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2012/12/20
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Bastiaan BELDER (EFD, NL) on EU-China relations.

It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

However, according to Members, a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

(1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation : the report supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

The report emphasises that China is not only the world’s second-largest economy and biggest exporter in the global economy, but also an increasingly important political power .

(2) Internal situation : the report recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

As regards forced abortions , although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

(3) Human rights and democracy : Members admire and support the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. The report urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards . Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules , including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities which gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment .

As regards the freedom of the media , the report stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

On religion , Members urge the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief .

The report acknowledges efforts made in the area of controlling and carefully applying the death penalty in China, but remains concerned at the fact that the Chinese Government is still maintaining its policy of not releasing details of the number of prisoners executed annually, keeping information on the death penalty a state secret.

(4) External situation : the report urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way, in particular in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it holds a permanent seat and a right of veto. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. The report considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa .

The report encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change .

Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

Documents
2012/12/10
   EP - Vote in committee
2012/11/06
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2012/09/18
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2012/07/05
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2011/12/14
   EP - BELDER Bas (EFD) appointed as rapporteur in AFET

Documents

AmendmentsDossier
333 2012/2137(INI)
2012/11/07 AFET 333 amendments...
source: PE-497.775

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

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  • date: 2012-07-05T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2011-12-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: EFD name: BELDER Bas
  • date: 2012-12-10T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: True committee: AFET date: 2011-12-14T00:00:00 committee_full: Foreign Affairs rapporteur: group: EFD name: BELDER Bas
  • date: 2012-12-20T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2012-434&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A7-0434/2012 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
  • date: 2013-03-13T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20130313&type=CRE type: Debate in Parliament title: Debate in Parliament body: EP type: Debate in Parliament
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  • date: 2012-09-18T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE494.557 title: PE494.557 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2012-11-06T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE497.775 title: PE497.775 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
events
  • date: 2012-07-05T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2012-12-10T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2012-12-20T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A7-2012-434&language=EN title: A7-0434/2012 summary: The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Bastiaan BELDER (EFD, NL) on EU-China relations. It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China. However, according to Members, a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values. (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation : the report supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law. Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States. The report emphasises that China is not only the world’s second-largest economy and biggest exporter in the global economy, but also an increasingly important political power . (2) Internal situation : the report recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability. As regards forced abortions , although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy. (3) Human rights and democracy : Members admire and support the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. The report urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards . Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules , including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities which gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps. The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment . As regards the freedom of the media , the report stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities. On religion , Members urge the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief . The report acknowledges efforts made in the area of controlling and carefully applying the death penalty in China, but remains concerned at the fact that the Chinese Government is still maintaining its policy of not releasing details of the number of prisoners executed annually, keeping information on the death penalty a state secret. (4) External situation : the report urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way, in particular in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it holds a permanent seat and a right of veto. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. The report considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue. Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa . The report encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change . Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.
  • date: 2013-03-13T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20130313&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2013-03-14T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=22391&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2013-03-14T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P7-TA-2013-97 title: T7-0097/2013 summary: The European Parliament adopted a resolution on EU-China relations. It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China. Members, Parliament considers that a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values. Members go on to make a series of recommendations on the main themes of the EU-China partnership. (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation : Parliament supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products , in view of its impact on public health and safety. They believe, moreover, that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China. It also expects Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen a long-term strategy EU-China Strategic Partnership. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law. Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States. (2) Internal situation : Parliament recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals, a lack of transparency and a ‘red aristocracy’ of close family members of former and present party leaders who possess enormous fortunes owing to their political and economic connections. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability. As regards forced abortions , although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy. (3) Human rights and democracy : the resolution admires and supports the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. It urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards . Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules , including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods that have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities that gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps. It also underlines the importance of the rapid implementation of all International Labour Organisation rules, and takes the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child or prison camp labour. The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment . As regards the freedom of the media , Parliament stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities. On religion , Parliament urges the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief . It recalls that the Chinese state recognises only five religions, namely Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and Christianity (both Catholicism and Protestantism), and that all of these religions have centralised governing bodies loyal to the CCP. It also recalls that China has banned Falun Gong since 1999 with the aim of eradicating the practice, and as a consequence of this ban, human rights organisations have reported extralegal coercive measures sometimes resulting in death. Recalling that since 2009 at least 90 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibetan-populated areas of China, Parliament urges the Chinese Government to act in a politically responsible way by meaningfully engaging the Tibetan and Uighur peoples in governance issues, rather than through forcible assimilation. (4) External situation : Parliament urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. Parliament considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue. Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa . Parliament underlines the global importance of the South China Sea , through which one third of the world's trade passes and is alarmed at the escalating tension. It urgently appeals to all the parties involved to refrain from unilateral political and military actions, to tone down statements and to settle their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea by means of international arbitration. It considers it regrettable, that the survival of the dictatorial and repressive North Korean regime depends essentially on China. It looks forward to China continuing to take responsibility for stability on the Korean Peninsula, a swift resumption of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear threat. It is seriously worried about the escalating tensions between China and Japan. It calls on all parties concerned ( China, Japan and Taiwan ) to demonstrate restraint and to take steps to calm the situation on the disputed islands. Parliament encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change . Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.
  • date: 2013-03-14T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
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    • The European Parliament adopted a resolution on EU-China relations.

      It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

      Members, Parliament considers that a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

      Members go on to make a series of recommendations on the main themes of the EU-China partnership.

      (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation: Parliament supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. They believe, moreover, that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China.

      It also expects Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen a long-term strategy EU-China Strategic Partnership. 

      Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

      Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

      (2) Internal situation: Parliament recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals, a lack of transparency and a ‘red aristocracy’ of close family members of former and present party leaders who possess enormous fortunes owing to their political and economic connections.

      Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

      As regards forced abortions, although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

      (3) Human rights and democracy: the resolution admires and supports the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. It urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards. Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules, including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods that have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities that gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

      It also underlines the importance of the rapid implementation of all International Labour Organisation rules, and takes the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child or prison camp labour.

      The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment.

      As regards the freedom of the media, Parliament stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

      On religion, Parliament urges the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief. It recalls that the Chinese state recognises only five religions, namely Buddhism, Daoism, Islam and Christianity (both Catholicism and Protestantism), and that all of these religions have centralised governing bodies loyal to the CCP. It also recalls that China has banned Falun Gong since 1999 with the aim of eradicating the practice, and as a consequence of this ban, human rights organisations have reported extralegal coercive measures sometimes resulting in death.

      Recalling that since 2009 at least 90 Tibetans have self-immolated in Tibetan-populated areas of China, Parliament urges the Chinese Government to act in a politically responsible way by meaningfully engaging the Tibetan and Uighur peoples in governance issues, rather than through forcible assimilation.

      (4) External situation: Parliament urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. Parliament considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

      Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa.

      Parliament underlines the global importance of the South China Sea, through which one third of the world's trade passes and is alarmed at the escalating tension. It urgently appeals to all the parties involved to refrain from unilateral political and military actions, to tone down statements and to settle their conflicting territorial claims in the South China Sea by means of international arbitration. It considers it regrettable, that the survival of the dictatorial and repressive North Korean regime depends essentially on China. It looks forward to China continuing to take responsibility for stability on the Korean Peninsula, a swift resumption of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear threat. It is seriously worried about the escalating tensions between China and Japan. It calls on all parties concerned (China, Japan and Taiwan) to demonstrate restraint and to take steps to calm the situation on the disputed islands.

      Parliament encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change.

      Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

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    The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Bastiaan BELDER (EFD, NL) on EU-China relations.

    It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

    However, according to Members, a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

    (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation: the report supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

    Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

    The report emphasises that China is not only the world’s second-largest economy and biggest exporter in the global economy, but also an increasingly important political power.

    (2) Internal situation: the report recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

    As regards forced abortions, although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

    (3) Human rights and democracy: Members admire and support the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. The report urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards. Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules, including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities which gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

    The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment.

    As regards the freedom of the media, the report stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

    On religion, Members urge the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief.

    The report acknowledges efforts made in the area of controlling and carefully applying the death penalty in China, but remains concerned at the fact that the Chinese Government is still maintaining its policy of not releasing details of the number of prisoners executed annually, keeping information on the death penalty a state secret.

    (4) External situation: the report urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way, in particular in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it holds a permanent seat and a right of veto. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. The report considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

    Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa.  

    The report encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change.

    Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

    New

    The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Bastiaan BELDER (EFD, NL) on EU-China relations.

    It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

    However, according to Members, a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

    (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation: the report supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

    Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

    The report emphasises that China is not only the world’s second-largest economy and biggest exporter in the global economy, but also an increasingly important political power.

    (2) Internal situation: the report recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

    As regards forced abortions, although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

    (3) Human rights and democracy: Members admire and support the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. The report urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards. Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules, including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities which gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

    The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment.

    As regards the freedom of the media, the report stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

    On religion, Members urge the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief.

    The report acknowledges efforts made in the area of controlling and carefully applying the death penalty in China, but remains concerned at the fact that the Chinese Government is still maintaining its policy of not releasing details of the number of prisoners executed annually, keeping information on the death penalty a state secret.

    (4) External situation: the report urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way, in particular in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it holds a permanent seat and a right of veto. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. The report considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

    Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa.  

    The report encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change.

    Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

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    • The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted the own-initiative report by Bastiaan BELDER (EFD, NL) on EU-China relations.

      It highlights that the EU-China strategic partnership is of great importance for relations between the EU and China and that this relationship is paramount for finding answers to global concerns, such as global and regional security, the economic crisis, energy security, the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as in creating a framework to address bilateral concerns between the EU and China.

      However, according to Members, a strategic partnership requires a strong commitment to mutual responsibility and a good level of confidence, and must be based on universal values.

      (1) EU-China Strategic Partnership and cooperation: the report supports and encourages the almost 60 sectoral dialogues between the EU and China, with the conviction that an enhanced and highly developed partnership will be mutually beneficial to both the EU and China. Members wish, however, to see a strengthening of these dialogues in the fields of human rights, the environment, security, energy and in particular the fight against counterfeit products, in view of its impact on public health and safety. Moreover, they state that the concept of strategic partnership must be better defined and call for increased trade and economic relations with China to go hand in hand with considerable progress in the political dialogue on human rights and the rule of law.

      Members expect Member States to give the European External Action Service (EEAS) and especially its Delegation in Beijing a clear mandate to strengthen the EU-China Strategic Partnership. They also call for the EU to implement a long-term strategy vis-à-vis China, providing operational coordination both between the institutions of the Union and between the Union and its Member States.

      The report emphasises that China is not only the world’s second-largest economy and biggest exporter in the global economy, but also an increasingly important political power.

      (2) Internal situation: the report recognises the significant progress made as regards social policy. However, a successful economic policy is seriously threatened by corruption scandals. Members believe that only effective political reforms aimed at shaping inclusive, democratic and accountable institutions that reflect China’s ethnic, religious, political and social diversity will pave the way for building sustainable growth and stability.

      As regards forced abortions, although they are strictly illegal in China, family-planning officials repeatedly coerce women into inhumane practices, such as forced abortions or sterilisation. Members support Chinese voices calling for an end to the one-child policy.

      (3) Human rights and democracy: Members admire and support the courage and activism of those Chinese citizens acting in socially responsible ways to promote and defend universally recognised social and human rights. The report urges the Chinese leadership to encourage civil responsibility and to comply with minimum social standards. Members underline the importance of compliance with, and rapid implementation of, all International Labour Organisation rules, including the right freely to form independent trade unions. Members take the view that the EU should not allow market access for goods which have been produced by means of child labour or in facilities which gravely violate international labour standards and human rights, such as prison camps.

      The Chinese authorities are called upon to reconsider their policy on capital punishment.

      As regards the freedom of the media, the report stresses that the Strategic Partnership between the EU and China includes freedom of the media on a reciprocal basis and it deplores the control and censorship of the internet by the Chinese authorities.

      On religion, Members urge the Chinese authorities to pull back on policies and practices that curtail any citizen’s fundamental right to freedom of religion and belief.

      The report acknowledges efforts made in the area of controlling and carefully applying the death penalty in China, but remains concerned at the fact that the Chinese Government is still maintaining its policy of not releasing details of the number of prisoners executed annually, keeping information on the death penalty a state secret.

      (4) External situation: the report urges China to use its global position in a more responsible way, in particular in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where it holds a permanent seat and a right of veto. It stresses, in this connection, the need for China to abandon its veto position on any UNSC resolution allowing intervention in Syria in order to halt the civil war. Members call on China to review its policy of “non-interference in countries’ internal affairs” in cases of severe breaches of international humanitarian law. The report considers that China can play a pivotal role in stabilising Afghanistan through a soft power approach and urges the development of close cooperation between the EU and China on this issue.

      Members call on the EU to remain vigilant about the political, economic, social and environmental impact of China’s growing investments in Africa.  

      The report encourages China, the world’s biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, to play a more proactive and constructive role in promoting cooperation within the global community in order to tackle climate change.

      Lastly, Members urge China to make it an absolute priority to ensure legal certainty for foreign companies, by upholding the principles of equality, reciprocity and corporate social responsibility.

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    2013-01-14T00:00:00
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    New
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    activities/4/date
    Old
    2012-10-30T00:00:00
    New
    2012-11-07T00:00:00
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    Old
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    New
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    New
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    Old
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    New
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    2012-08-31T00:00:00
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    2013-01-14T00:00:00
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    • group: EFD name: BELDER Bastiaan
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    procedure/stage_reached
    Old
    Preparatory phase in Parliament
    New
    Awaiting Parliament 1st reading / single reading / budget 1st stage
    procedure/title
    Old
    EU-China Relations
    New
    EU-China relations
    activities
    • body: EP date: 2012-06-27T00:00:00 type: EP officialisation
    committees
    • body: EP responsible: True committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET
    links
    other
      procedure
      geographical_area
      China
      reference
      2012/2137(INI)
      title
      EU-China Relations
      legal_basis
      Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament EP 048
      stage_reached
      Preparatory phase in Parliament
      subtype
      Initiative
      type
      INI - Own-initiative procedure
      subject
      6.40.08 Relations with the Asian countries