HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c360W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of the EU' s human rights dialogue with China. [70553]

Mr. Fatchett

The EU/China dialogue has provided an opportunity for the EU to address many serious human rights concerns directly with the Chinese authorities. These include issues such as the death penalty, conditions of detention, Tibet and the cases of individuals, including those of recently imprisoned pro-democracy campaigners.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to review the results of the human rights dialogue between the EU and China in advance of the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. [70554]

Mr. Fatchett

We are reviewing the results of the EU/China Human Rights dialogue in conjunction with our EU partners. We will decide on our approach to the Commission on Human Rights before the Geneva meeting begins and in the light of that review.

Mr. Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent crackdown on dissidents in China and Tibet; and what impact this will have on the human rights dialogue between the EU and China. [70625]

Mr. Fatchett

China's recent crackdown is unacceptable. In addition to public statements, we have expressed our serious concerns directly to the Chinese government, both bilaterally and in conjunction with the EU and others, and called for the release of those detained. The EU/China dialogue provides an opportunity for the EU to address many serious human rights concerns directly with the Chinese authorities. Through the dialogue, we have urged China to abide by the principles of the international covenants, which it has signed, that guarantee the freedoms of expression and assembly.