China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes p...
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The Diplomatic Service of the European Union
EEAS > China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes place in Brussels
China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the
European Union takes place in Brussels
14.06.2025
EEAS Press Team
The European Union and the People’s Republic of China held the 40th session of the EUChina Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 13 June. The Dialogue was preceded by a
field visit to South Tyrol (Italy) on 11 June.
The EU and China engaged in in-depth exchanges on recent human rights developments
both in the EU and in China. Discussions covered a broad range of topics including
fundamental freedoms, labour rights, judicial independence, economic and social rights,
and human rights related activities in multilateral fora.
The EU reiterated its serious concerns regarding the ongoing deterioration of fundamental
freedoms in China. These include the persistent restrictions on freedom of expression,
religion or belief, peaceful assembly, and the right to equality and non-discrimination. The
EU again called attention to the erosion of the rule of law, due process rights violations and
the lack of judicial independence. It also raised concerns over labour rights, the use of
forced labour and labour transfer programmes.
The EU upheld the importance of transparency and accountability, urging China to end
practices such as arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment.
The EU reiterated its firm opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and urged
China to establish a moratorium and provide transparent data on its application.
The EU expressed its concerns for the particularly vulnerable situation of persons belonging
to religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities in China. The EU underlined that the selection
of religious leaders should happen without government interference and in accordance
21/10/2025, 12:46