Europe’s politicians (but not its businesses) speak out after UN report on China abuses. European reaction to Chinese human rights abuses lays bare a deep EU strategic vulnerability: While politicians can speak out against Beijing, companies are too exposed to China’s massive market to do so
4 comments
The UN’s report shows the need for a ban on forced labour products in the EU. We must lessen our dependence on foreign despots, both through diversifying supply chains as well as autarky on a continental basis.
From the article:
“**European reaction to the shocking U.N. report on Chinese human rights abuses lays bare a deep EU strategic vulnerability:** While politicians can speak out against Beijing, **companies are too exposed to China’s massive market to condemn China**.
On Wednesday, **a U.N. report gave detailed evidence of detention, sex crimes and family separation in the western region of Xinjiang, where Muslim Uyghurs are the majority**. The U.N. concluded that China’s acts “may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity.”Saying that the EU “welcomes” the release of the U.N. report, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the situation in Xinjiang required “urgent attention” by China, the U.N. and “the international community more broadly.”
While reactions from EU diplomats were many of disdain on the matter, **corporate reaction was conspicuous by its absence**. This is an increasingly critical matter as fears are growing that **Europe’s dependence on Chinese supply chains potentially raises even more strategic problems than reliance on Russian gas**.
**For Germany, in particular, dependence is a particular concern**. POLITICO reached out to the BDI, the leading German industry association, for comment **but a spokesman said the group would not offer any comments on the issue on Thursday**.
Thoughts and opinions are welcome, but as I always say. Businesses, Industries and Companies are always the ones to keep an eye on when human rights matters come out…
Ask H&M what happens when you speak out against Beijing.
Let’s be honest, companies don’t give a shit.