The Chinese Mission to the EU expressed vehement opposition and condemnation of the European Parliament (EP) on Friday, stating that China was “extremely shocked” by the EP’s report challenging the one-China principle. The EP’s report, which claimed that “neither Taiwan nor China is subordinate to the other,” was deemed outrageous and irresponsible, with experts warning of potential repercussions for China-Europe relations.
In two pivotal reports on foreign policy and defense, the EP accused China on various fronts, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea. The EP’s bold assertion that Taiwan is not subordinate to China, along with encouragement for official delegations to visit the island, signaled a significant shift in support for Taiwan, according to foreign media.
The Chinese Mission to the EU responded on Friday, stating that the reports violated international law, principles of international relations, and China’s sovereignty. The EP’s open endorsement of “one China, one Taiwan” challenged the one-China principle and exposed European politicians’ ignorance of history, with intentions to obstruct China’s reunification, the spokesperson added.
Experts noted that the EP’s audacious remarks aligned with its hard-line stance toward China, but they emphasized that many EP resolutions lack legal effect, making it prone to extreme positions. The EP’s move could escalate tensions in China-Europe relations, as it seemingly deviates from the EU’s commitments made when establishing diplomatic relations with China in 1975.
The Chinese mission called on the EP to refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs, cease making irresponsible remarks, and contribute to the development of China-Europe relations. Observers suggested that rising anti-China sentiment influenced by the US and potential electoral strategies could be behind the EP’s statements. They warned that if the EP continues on this path, it could jeopardize the hard-won stability in China-Europe ties and potentially involve the bloc in a conflict in the Taiwan Straits.