Latest news with #member states
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Why EU stance on Taiwan is a growing cause of concern for mainland China
This year marks half a century of formal diplomatic relations between China and the European Union as well as the 25th anniversary of the founding of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. In this, the fourth part of the series, Shi Jiangtao looks at how the issue of Taiwan is overshadowing the relationship. As mainland China and the European Union mark 50 years of diplomatic ties, there is growing concern in Beijing that the bloc may be undermining its one-China policy, as Brussels – and some individual member states in particular – expand informal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Historically viewed as a diplomatic formality, Taiwan has gained increasing prominence in Beijing's relations with the EU over the past decade. This has complicated Brussels' efforts to balance between economic partnerships with Beijing, strategic alignment with Washington, and growing unofficial trade and cultural ties with Taipei. After establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1975, all member states of the European Economic Community – the precursor to the EU – formally recognised Beijing as the sole legitimate government of China, a stance now mirrored by most of the world. This commitment, routinely reaffirmed in subsequent high-level exchanges, has long been seen by Beijing as a major diplomatic red line. It regards the issue as both a gauge of the EU's adherence to the one-China policy and a litmus test of Brussels' much-touted drive for strategic autonomy amid intensifying US-China rivalry. In recent years, however, several European countries have expanded ties with Taipei, seeking to actively reinterpret their one-China policy – distinguishing it from Beijing's one-China principle, even as Brussels has stepped up efforts to 'de-risk' its relationship with mainland China.
Al Arabiya
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Council of Europe cautions on weapon sales to Israel
The Council of Europe urged its member states on Tuesday to halt deliveries of weapons to Israel if they could be used for human rights violations. Michael O'Flaherty, the Council's commissioner for human rights, said member states should do 'their utmost to prevent and address violations of international human rights' in the conflict. 'This includes applying existing legal standards to ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk that they may be used to commit human rights violations,' he said, in a statement. It was also 'essential to intensify efforts to provide relief to those affected by the conflict, by supporting efforts to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and by pressing for the immediate release of hostages,' O'Flaherty said. The call by the Council – a human rights organization representing 46 states – comes shortly after Germany said it would halt delivery to Israel of some weapons that could be used in Gaza as part of Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City. O'Flaherty said the Council had taken note of this and other government initiatives, and also of contributions by some national human rights structures in raising awareness. 'However, more needs to be done, and quickly,' he said. Several world leaders have condemned Israel's decision to widen the Gaza war. But Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the plan to target the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza was 'the best way to end the war.'
Arab News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Council of Europe cautions on weapon sales to Israel
STRASBOURG, France: The Council of Europe urged its member states on Tuesday to halt deliveries of weapons to Israel if they could be used for human rights O'Flaherty, the Council's commissioner for human rights, said member states should do 'their utmost to prevent and address violations of international human rights' in the conflict.'This includes applying existing legal standards to ensure that arms transfers are not authorized where there is a risk that they may be used to commit human rights violations,' he said, in a was also 'essential to intensify efforts to provide relief to those affected by the conflict, by supporting efforts to ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance and by pressing for the immediate release of hostages,' O'Flaherty call by the Council – a human rights organization representing 46 states – comes shortly after Germany said it would halt delivery to Israel of some weapons that could be used in Gaza as part of Israeli plans to take control of Gaza City.O'Flaherty said the Council had taken note of this and other government initiatives, and also of contributions by some national human rights structures in raising awareness.'However, more needs to be done, and quickly,' he world leaders have condemned Israel's decision to widen the Gaza Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the plan to target the remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza was 'the best way to end the war.'
