Csaba Sógor: The new strategy should also consider the improvement of the human rights situation in China

Our Chinese friends must understand that the European Union can only strengthen the bond with regions where freedom of speech is an unquestionable value – stated Csaba Sógor in Strasbourg on Wednesday during the European Parliament’s plenary session, where MEPs debated the new EU strategy regarding China. The RMDSZ MEP expressed his hope that the European Commission also envisions implementing the new strategy based on the same ideological grounds.

Csaba Sógor welcomed the strengthening of the EU China relations as the agreement targets numerous areas such as the economy, culture or research. “I was also pleased to see that the new strategy does not forget to include important aspects such as basic human rights, the rule of law, and nongovernmental organisations. The text urges China to release political prisoners and to respect the rights of persons belonging to minorities, among others in Tibet and Xinjiang"- pointed out the MEP who believes that the European Union can only strengthen relations with China if the process entails the improvement of the human rights situation in China. 

Csaba Sógor reminded his colleagues that the Dalai Lama celebrated his 81^st birthday recently, on June the 6^th. His Holiness, a symbol of wisdom and compassion for many in Europe, has lived in exile in India for over 50 years, and yet he continues to preach non-violent resistance, which he considers the only path towards gaining autonomy for his people.

“Silence is sometimes the best answer - says the Dalai Lama. However, I am hopeful that in the future this house will not be silent when dealing with the mistreatment of his people. This would be the best way to honour the lifelong struggle of His Holiness”, stated the MEP.