Xi Jinping's European Tour Reveals Western Divides Over China

As Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Europe this May, his itinerary — including significant stops in Germany and France — brings to light the challenging diplomatic landscape regarding Western strategies towards China. In Germany, President Xi is participating in high-level government consultations, while in France, he marks the 60th anniversary of Franco-Chinese diplomatic ties.
This visit occurs amidst a crucial period where European nations are deeply reassessing their approaches towards China, spurred by increasing concerns over security, economic practices, and human rights issues. As Europe grapples with these complex facets of its relationship with China, the differing stances within the EU could become more pronounced. The trip may well underscore the divergences across Western nations, revealing varying degrees of readiness to either confront or cooperate with Beijing, reflecting broader uncertainties about managing China's ascending global influence.
Coinciding with President Xi's visit, Uyghurs and Tibetan activists in France are seizing the moment to press the French government on the urgent issue of human rights in China. These activists are advocating forcefully for the rights of ethnic minorities, urging French officials to leverage this high-profile diplomatic engagement to challenge Beijing on its human rights record, particularly concerning the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans.
International Support for Uyghurs stands in solidarity with the Uyghur and Tibetan activists demanding that human rights be a cornerstone of diplomatic conversations with China. We advocate for a unified and robust approach from Western countries in addressing the human rights violations in China, emphasizing the need for a collective and resolute response that aligns with democratic values and international human rights standards. Through persistent advocacy and diplomatic pressure, we aim to support our communities and push for meaningful change in the policies affecting them.
Sources:
https://www.rfi.fr/.../20240505-uyghurs-tibetans-urge...
https://www.reuters.com/.../xis-trip-europe-may-lay-bare.../