Q: On 18 April, HR/VP Federica Mogherini said at the European Parliament urgency debate that the human rights situation in China continues to deteriorate, that freedom of religion or belief is often violated in Tibet and Xinjiang, and that there have been reports on political “reeducation camp” and mass surveillance in Xinjiang. What is your comment?
A: The Chinese government has made vigorous efforts to protect human rights, and has scored tremendous progress in safeguarding civil and political rights. The achievements are clear for all to see. Overall, Xinjiang and Tibet enjoy social stability, positive momentum of economic growth, harmony among different ethnic groups, and full protection of freedom of religion or belief in accordance with law. Establishing vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang is a preventive and legal measure adopted by the Chinese side to counter terrorism. It has won the support of people of various ethnic groups in China, and has been widely understood and supported internationally.
We have noticed the inappropriate remarks made by the relevant EU official. We are deeply concerned about and are firmly opposed to the remarks. We have lodged serious representations with the EU side. The 21st China-EU Summit held last week was successful, and published a rich joint statement. Earlier this month, China and the EU held the 37th human rights dialogue, and conducted frank and in-depth exchanges on the relevant issues. We urge the EU side to bear in mind the full picture of China-EU relations, stay true to facts, view China's human rights situation in an objective light rather than with prejudice, engage in dialogue and cooperation in a constructive spirit, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs by using the issue of human rights.