The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its condemnation on Friday of a European Parliament resolution that supported democracy and human rights in Hong Kong. The resolution was in response to political repression in Hong Kong, and raised the issue of sanctions against Chinese politicians who have violated human rights. A large majority of the European Parliament supported the resolution.

Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, claimed that the resolution was not about human rights, but rather an attempt to isolate China economically. Wang stressed the common interests of the EU and China, warning that actions like the European Parliament resolution would threaten their economic and diplomatic relationship.

The resolution asserted that China’s actions violate a list of various international agreements, including the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also highlighted pro-democracy political prisoners, emphasizing their prolonged detention and significant health risks during the trial process. The resolution specifically mentioned Jimmy Lai, Chow Hang-tung, Albert Ho and others. Chow supported China’s democratic movements, and notably resorted to a 34-hour hunger strike during her detention as a means of raising awareness for her cause. Ho is a former legislator whose bail was revoked after being diagnosed with cancer.

Ultimately, the European Parliament urged Chinese authorities to stop obstructing journalistic work, condemned the Chinese government’s targeting of dispersed Hong Kong residents in the European Union, reiterated its call for EU member states to suspend extradition arrangements with China and Hong Kong. The resolution also urged the EU Office in Hong Kong to strengthen its work, including by enhancing courtroom monitoring, regularly reporting on important trials, and making requests for prison visits to the Hong Kong government.

Wang and the Chinese Foreign Ministry rejected this framing, claiming that the European Parliament’s reasoning was clouded by ideology and that the EU should take a more measured approach to issues with China.

The European Parliament says that China’s National Security Act of 2020 set a dangerous anti-democratic precedent in Hong Kong. The European Parliament’s resolution is a clear sign that concerns about the violation of fundamental freedoms will continue, and that China will continue to respond forcefully.