| Author (Person) | Cronin, David |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.35, 23.10.03, p1 |
| Publication Date | 23/10/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
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By David Cronin Date: 23/10/03 CHINA is, judging by some indicators, blazing ahead of the EU. Last week, it became only the third nation in history - after Russia and America - to send one of its astronauts into space. It has become the world's second largest economy, eclipsed only by the US. The value of trading links between the EU and China stand at more than €115 billion, so it is no wonder that the Union is keen to build on its partnership with the world's most populous country. But as Union leaders and commissioners prepare for the EU-China summit in Beijing next Thursday (30 October), it is clear that all is not rosy. A newly published paper by the European Commission highlights continuing concerns over China's human rights record. Beijing, however, has made it clear that it will brook no meddling in its domestic affairs. Indeed, a new strategy paper on its relations with the EU calls on the Union "not to have any contact with the "Tibetan government in exile" or provide facilities to the separatist activities of the "Dalai clique"." It also urges that representatives of Taiwan be barred from official visits to the EU and that the Union's so-called One China policy (under which it rejects calls for Taiwan to be recognized as a separate state) remains watertight. |
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| Countries / Regions | China |
