EU Raises Human Rights Concerns with China During Beijing Summit
'Protecting human rights is a key part of how the EU engages with the world, and that includes our relationship with China,' Costa said during a press conference following the summit. 'We shared our concerns again today, and we will keep the dialogue going on this important issue.'
The EU-China summit also focused on trade and security matters. Costa revealed that both sides had agreed to upgrade the current mechanism on rare earth exports—a move that could improve supply chain stability in Europe for crucial raw materials.
In addition, Costa noted that China's close ties with Russia remain a 'decisive factor' in how the EU approaches its relationship with Beijing, especially amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine.
The EU has been trying to balance cooperation with China on global challenges like climate change and trade while also pressing for more accountability on human rights and geopolitical issues.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
Emirates Adds 5th China Route Daily Dubai-Hangzhou Flights
Dubai-based carrier Emirates officially launched its new daily service to Hangzhou, China. This would be the 5th route to the Chinese mainland and the second new destination added to the airline's roster in under a month, following Shenzhen. The launch took place on 30th July with a debut flight from Dubai to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Passengers aboard the new flight EK310 were welcomed by local dignitaries, airport officials, a ceremonial water cannon salute and received memorabilia from the airport. The inaugural flight carried passengers from across Emirates' global network, including key markets like the UAE, Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, as well as a VIP delegation led by Emirates' senior management and members of the international media. 'China has become one of the world's leading aviation markets, and Emirates is proud to have played a role in its development. Adding two new gateways within just one month is a major milestone that underscores our deepening commitment to the Chinese mainland,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, regarding the launch. Kazim explained that the expansion demonstrated the conviction of the company's East and Southeast Asia growth strategy, which has gained momentum over the past year. With rising demand, Kazim is optimistic that its global network will continue connecting people, businesses, and economies across Asia and beyond. Emirates remains committed to delivering seamless, reliable connectivity between this dynamic region and the world. 'We extend our sincere appreciation to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and all our local partners for their invaluable support in enabling the successful start of this route,' said Kazim. The Emirates Boeing 777-300ER (EK310) is scheduled to depart Dubai at 09:40 AM and arrive in Hangzhou at 22:00 PM. The return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 00:10 AM, landing in Dubai at 04:55 AM. Emirates is said to offer optimal connectivity for customers from 40 destinations in Europe, 21 in Africa, 13 in the Middle East, as well as Brazil and Argentina, to Hangzhou via Dubai. The airline also offers convenient two-way connections from Hangzhou to key cities including Istanbul, Barcelona, Cairo, and Johannesburg via Dubai. The Boeing 777-300ER wide-body aircraft is said to offer up to 16 tonnes of bellyhold cargo capacity per flight, enabling the transport of time-sensitive shipments such as e-commerce goods, pharmaceuticals, smart devices, and other high-value products. With a well-defined digital infrastructure in place, Hangzhou serves as a key international gateway for Chinese brands. With Emirates SkyCargo's expansive network spanning six continents and high-speed connectivity through its Dubai hub, goods from Hangzhou and the broader Yangtze River Delta can reach emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America faster, reducing delivery timelines and enhancing supply chain performance. Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to five major Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. Its signature complimentary chauffeur-drive service for First and Business Class passengers is also available to passengers flying to Hangzhou. With the addition of Hangzhou to its growing Chinese mainland network, Emirates is building a powerful air corridor for trade, tourism, and digital exchanges between China and the Middle East, as well as beyond. The new route will further open new opportunities for Chinese brands to reach a global audience while offering customers from across Emirates' global network better access to this powerful tech hub. Through interline and codeshare agreements with China Southern Airlines, Air China and Sichuan Airlines, Emirates provides enhanced connectivity to destinations beyond its network across China. Travellers from the UAE and other GCC countries can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, making both business and leisure travel to the Chinese mainland even more convenient. Also read: Facing Low Pay and Rising Rents, a Quarter of Young Brits Weigh UK Exit – Australia and Dubai Most Favoured
Daily Tribune
a day ago
- Daily Tribune
Emirates Expands to Fifth Chinese City with New Hangzhou Route
Emirates has added another link between Dubai and China with the launch of its new daily flight to Hangzhou, marking the airline's fifth destination in the Chinese mainland and the second new route opened in less than a month, following Shenzhen. Flight EK310 touched down at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport on July 30 to a warm welcome. Local officials and airport representatives greeted the aircraft with a traditional water cannon salute, while passengers received commemorative gifts, including keychains and Chinese tea sets. The first flight carried travelers from across the Emirates network, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Italy, Spain, and Brazil. A VIP delegation of Emirates senior management and international media representatives were also on board. 'China is one of the world's most important aviation markets, and Emirates is proud to support its growth,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer. 'Adding two new destinations in just one month highlights our commitment to strengthening our presence in the region. This expansion allows us to better connect people, businesses, and economies across Asia and the world.' The new service, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, departs Dubai at 9:40 a.m. and lands in Hangzhou at 10:00 p.m. The return flight leaves Hangzhou shortly after midnight, arriving in Dubai at 4:55 a.m., providing convenient connections to more than 70 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Boosting Trade and Cargo Beyond passenger travel, the route is set to strengthen trade links. Each Emirates flight offers up to 16 tonnes of cargo space for high-value and time-sensitive shipments such as e-commerce products, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Hangzhou is a key hub for cross-border e-commerce and international trade, making it a strategic gateway for Chinese goods to reach markets in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America faster via Emirates' Dubai hub. With this latest addition, Emirates now operates 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, reinforcing its role as a bridge between China and the rest of the world.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Trump says imposing 25% tariff on Indian imports
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that imports from India will face 25% tariffs, while also announcing an unspecified 'penalty' for New Delhi's purchases of Russian weapons and energy. The measures will kick in on Friday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. 'Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country,' Trump said. He also posted in an allcaps message that the United States has a 'massive' trade deficit with India. He added that India has 'always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia's largest buyer of ENERGY, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE.' Trump did not specify what the penalty he referred to for Russia trade will be. The measure comes as the 79-year-old Republican has signaled he intends to tighten US pressure on Moscow to halt fighting in Ukraine and negotiate a peace deal. On Tuesday, Trump said he was giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 days -- which would mean the end of next week -- to change course in Ukraine or face unspecified punishment. 'We're going to put on tariffs and stuff,' he said, but 'I don't know if it's going to effect Russia because obviously he wants to keep the war going.' India, the world's most populous country, was one of the first few major economies to engage Washington in broader trade talks. But six months later, Trump's sweeping demands and India's reluctance to fully open its agricultural and dairy sectors have so far prevented New Delhi from sealing a deal that would shield it from punitive tariffs. On Tuesday, Trump had said India could face a 20-25% rate since a trade deal had not been finalized. The announced tariffs will mark a huge leap from the current 10% baseline tariff on Indian shipments to the United States. Trump has set out to upend the global economy by trying to leverage US economic power to squeeze trading partners with tariffs and force foreign companies to move to the United States. Complex talks are underway with the European Union, China, Canada and other big partners. Trump has threatened to hit dozens of other countries with stiffer tariffs from this Friday unless they reach trade deals.
