China: 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union takes p... 2 of 4 https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/china-40th-human-rights-dialogue-e... with religious norms, including for the succession of the Dalai Lama. The EU called on China to provide transparent and reliable information on the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama who is missing since 30 years. The EU also raised China’s increasingly frequent use of transnational repression practices to pressure and control Chinese overseas nationals. The EU raised a number of emblematic individual cases, calling for the immediate release of those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. In addition, the EU made specific requests to improve the treatment and conditions of several individuals, including contacts with families: • EU citizen Gui Minhai. • Uyghurs, including Sakharov Prize winner Ilham Tohti, medical doctor Gulshan Abbas, ethnographer Rahile Davut and Uyghur activists Hushtar Isa and Yalkun Isa. • Tibetan activists, writers and religious leaders, including Go Sherab Gyatso, Tashi Dorje Anya Sengra, Tsongon Tsering, Drugdra, Lobsang Khedrub and Lobsang Gephel. • Human Rights Defenders and lawyers deprived of their liberty for having promoted and protected human rights, including Ding Jiaxi, Xu Zhiyong, as well as Yu Wensheng. His wife Xu Yan is still subject to surveillance and travel ban following her release. The EU also raised the case of Gao Zhisheng. • Individuals detained or deprived of their liberty for their exercise of the freedom of expression, including citizen journalists Huang Xueqin and Zhang Zhan. Concerning Hong Kong, the EU expressed its concern about the repressive use of national security legislation which continues to undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms. The EU called for the immediate and unconditional release of British citizen and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai and of barrister and human rights defender Chow Hangtung. The EU highlighted credible reports of intimidation of Chinese participants in civil society events, including LGBTI-related ones, as well as police surveillance and threats of professional retaliation aiming to deter lawful participation in such events. The EU noted the recent submission by China of its sixth periodic report under article 19 of the Convention Against Torture. It further urged China to meet its reporting obligations to all relevant UN treaty bodies, allow full access to ILO inspections, and facilitate visits by all UN Special Procedures. During the dialogue, the EU recognised China’s development achievements, inviting China to follow a human rights-based approach in its development and poverty alleviation programmes. 21/10/2025, 12:46