We reiterate the EU's calls on the Chinese authorities to abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to respect the freedoms of conscience, expression and association recognised by the Chinese Constitution, and to release all those imprisoned for the peaceful expression of their views.
While acknowledging China's advancement of the economic and social wellbeing of its people in the past 25 years, the EU also hopes to see greater space open up for discussion and debate about China's recent history and for lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists to carry out their work without harassment or interference.
We also urge the Chinese authorities to ensure that, where needed, detainees have rapid access to independent and adequate medical care, in order to avoid a repetition of recent deaths in custody. The EU is willing to co-operate with China towards the release of detainees on humanitarian grounds."
