In Strasbourg, during the European Parliament’s plenary session, as part of debates on violations of human rights, democratic principles, and the rule of law, a discussion took place regarding the new national security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John. Anna Fotyga, a co-author of the resolution, spoke during the debate.
Anna Fotyga expressed her satisfaction with the European Parliament’s stance toward communist China, both regarding Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the Uyghur ethnic minority. She noted, however, that after seven European Parliament resolutions during this term, “we feel a certain helplessness on this issue, and therefore we must intensify our efforts in the Commission and the Council.” “I fear that, especially after the imposition of Article 23 [of the Hong Kong National Security Law], we will repeat the mistakes we made in our relations with the Russian Federation,” the former Polish foreign minister said, expressing her concern. She also pointed out that the EU’s strong engagement with China is not accompanied by sufficient pressure from the Union to improve the situation in Hong Kong. She added that adopting a firm stance on this issue could give hope to those who are being intimidated there.
In the adopted resolution, the European Parliament emphasizes that the trampling of international commitments and the freedoms Hong Kong once enjoyed are accompanied by persecution and trials. The resolution also addressed the case of Aleksandra Bielakowska, who had intended to attend J. Lai’s trial. Immediately upon her arrival in Hong Kong, she was detained, interrogated, and deported. The European Parliament also drew attention to the alarming issue of extraterritoriality and the retroactive application of the National Security Law, which will also be enforced outside China’s borders. MEPs condemned the targeting of the Hong Kong diaspora in the EU, as well as politicians and public figures critical of Beijing.
