Jordi Solé cautious about EU-China relations.

EFA Group President Jordi Solé highlighted the challenges that a close relationship between Russia and China poses to the EU and how Putin's criminal invasion of Ukraine reinforces this geopolítical alignment. China has yet to condemn the war in Ukraine and join the international sanctions. Solé insisted on the importance of having "like-minded" partnerships and advised on the relevance of partners that respects and follows international law and Human Rights. 

On the first of April, the 23rd EU-China summit took place, where they discussed, amongst others, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, trade, COVID-19 recovery, and fighting against climate change. MEP Solé raised the importance of an approach that does not disregard China's human rights violations. China has been accused of several breaches of Human Rights, particularly the situation in Hong Kong, Tibet and the Uyghur community. 

EFA Group President Jordi Solé said:

"Obviously, China is not celebrating the invasion, but neither has openly condemned it. China has sided with Russia's false arguments, has refused to join the sanctions, and we suspect they may help Putin dodge them". 

"This alliance between big authoritarian regimes, as unbalanced as it may be, because Russia needs China much more than China needs Russia, at the end of the day is an alliance to better counter our strong relations with our like-minded partners".

"I rather think we need to have an approach which, taking into account our significant trade and economic ties, also preserves our strategic interests and together with our partners ensures human rights and international law".