The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the cases of the human rights activists Wu Gan, Xie Yang, Lee Ming-che and Tashi Wangchuk, and the Tibetan monk Choekyi.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, ALDE, Greens/EFA and EFDD groups.
The respect for universal human rights, democracy and the rule of law should remain at the centre of the long-standing relationship between the EU and China.
Since President Xi Jinping assumed power, the human rights situation in China has further deteriorated, with the government stepping up its hostility toward peaceful dissent, the freedoms of expression and religion, and the rule of law.
The Chinese authorities have detained and prosecuted hundreds of human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists.
Between 2015 and 2017, 4 human rights activists in particular - Wu Gan, Xie Yang, Lee Ming-che and Tashi Wangchuk, and the Tibetan monk Choekyi - were subjected to detention, conviction or sentencing.
Parliament reminded China of its responsibilities as a global power and called on the Beijing authorities to ensure in all circumstances respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights instruments signed or ratified by China.
The Beijing authorities are urged, moreover, to put an end to all acts of harassment against all human rights defenders in the country so that they are able to carry out their work without hindrance.
The Chinese authorities are called on to:
- release immediately and unconditionally all human rights defenders, activists, lawyers, journalists and petitioners being detained for their human rights work, and to end the ongoing crackdown against them, which is being perpetrated in the form of detention, judicial harassment and intimidation;
- release Wu Gan immediately and unconditionally, as he has been imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and assembly, and – pending his release – to ensure that he has regular, unrestricted access to his family and lawyers of his choice, and is not subjected to torture or other ill-treatment;
- investigate the allegations of torture of Xie Yang;
- release Lee Ming-che immediately and unconditionally, and – pending his release – to ensure that he is protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and allowed access to his family, lawyers of his choice and adequate medical care;
- release immediately and unconditionally Tashi Wangchuk given the lack of evidence against him and the irregularities in the criminal investigation;
- release the Tibetan monk Choekyi immediately and unconditionally.
- respect the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Parliament reiterated its call on the Chinese Government to engage with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his representatives, and expressed its support for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet through dialogue and negotiations with a view to granting Tibet genuine autonomy within the framework of the Chinese Constitution.
It condemned the anti-Buddhism campaigns carried out via the ‘patriotic education’ approach, including measures to state-manage Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. It expressed concern that China’s criminal law is being abused to persecute Tibetans and Buddhists, whose religious activities are equated with ‘separatism’.
Lastly, Members States are called on to adopt a firm, values-based approach towards China and not to undertake unilateral initiatives or acts that might undermine the coherence, effectiveness and consistency of EU action. The 28 EU Member States and EU institutions should be bound by a common message and approach with regard to human rights in China.