ASEM

EU criticises China for restricting freedom of expression as ASEM summit ends

Tuomioja dissatisfied with foreign minister’s explanation

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The European Union sharply criticised China on Monday for its measures taken to restrict freedom of expression.
      Speaking on Monday, the last day of the summit of the Europe Asia Meeting (ASEM) in Helsinki, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said that the restrictions on freedom of expression enacted by China on Sunday are a "very negative development".
     
The EU and China discussed the importance of freedom of expression in Helsinki on Saturday. On Sunday, China announced new regulations under which foreign journalists must relay the their reports through the Chinese state-run Xinhua, or face being banned from China.
      Speaking on behalf of EU foreign ministers, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Erkki Tuomioja took up the restrictions after meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing. Tuomioja said that he was not satisfied with Li’s explanation.
      "This is a regrettable step backward. I noted that as a Finnish politician, I would also prefer more organised writing at times, but it [freedom of expression] is part of democracy and a free society", Tuomioja emphasised.
      In spite of differences on human rights, China and the EU agreed on closer cooperation. China’s Prime Minister Wen Jiabao nevertheless rejected the idea of linking trade talks and human rights issues. Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, who chaired the meeting, promised that the EU would take issue with Chinese violations of human rights later during the Finnish EU Presidency.
     
Myanmar also flatly rejected EU calls for improvements in its human rights situation. The country’s Foreign Minister took part in the summit, but did not promise to release the country’s opposition leader Aung San Suu Ky.
      Tuomioja pointed out that there are considerable differences between Myanmar and China.
      "Myanmar has long sought to isolate itself completely, and to refuse all kinds of talks. It is possible to talk with the Chinese", Tuomioja said.
      The EU has imposed economic and political sanctions on Myanmar. Tuomioja said that he does not believe that possible additional sanctions would change the situation.
      "I am afraid that Myanmar itself is on a road of isolation to such a degree that it would like the EU to impose more sanctions."
      China has not been spared EU sanctions. In 1989 the EU imposed an arms embargo on China after the massacre at Tienanmen Square. China has repeatedly demanded that the embargo be dismantled. According to China, the export ban is a relic of the Cold War, and is therefore obsolete.
      Critics say that the EU does not treat Myanmar and China in an even-handed manner, although both countries seriously violate human rights. The main reason that is put forward for this is China’s growing economic and political power.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Articles on ASEM in Helsinki, September 2006

Helsingin Sanomat