Sanctions show ‘folly, arrogance’
In retaliation, Beijing announces measures against 10 individuals, four entities from EU
China has strongly condemned the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union on Chinese officials and institutions over Xinjiang-related issues, saying they will “pay for their folly and arrogance”.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson also rebuked certain European countries for their unreasonable actions in summoning Chinese ambassadors after China announced sanctions against 10 individuals and four entities within the EU.
Noting that China does not provoke trouble but will never flinch when trouble comes its way, spokesperson Hua Chunying told a news briefing on March 24 said the country does not accept the unreasonable move of some European countries in summoning Chinese ambassadors.
On March 22, the EU, the UK and Canada blacklisted four former and current officials in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, while the US, which had already sanctioned two of those officials in July 2020, added the other two to the list.
Vice-Foreign Minister Qin Gang summoned Nicolas Chapuis, the EU ambassador to China, on March 22, and British ambassador to China Caroline Wilson on March 23, to convey China’s solemn protest against the sanctions.
On behalf of the Chinese government, Qin also declared China’s countermeasures to the EU decision.
He noted that the EU’s sanctions on China were based on lies and false information and go against facts, the law and reason.
The EU is not entitled to lecture China on human rights, and China urges the EU side to realize the severity of its mistake, halt the confrontation and avoid further damage to bilateral relations, he said.
Qin added that Beijing is firmly determined and resolved to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, speaking at a regular news briefing in Beijing on March 23, said that by using “evidence” fabricated by anti-China politicians and so-called scholars, it is clear that politicians from these countries are not willing to recognize the fact that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang enjoy peace, stability and development.
“They use human rights as a cover to interfere in China’s internal affairs, trying to contain China’s development,” Hua said.
“Do not underestimate the Chinese people’s firm will to defend national interests and dignity. It is not the
Chinese way to receive something without giving something in return. These people will pay for their folly and arrogance,” she added.
When asked whether China is concerned that these Western countries have for the first time taken sanctions together against officials in Xinjiang, Hua said China is not worried at all, as these countries do not represent, and are in no position to represent, the position of the international community.
“We hope these countries can reflect upon themselves, know themselves correctly and learn to treat other countries as equals with respect,” she said, adding that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equal members of the international community.
“Leaders, statesmen and diplomats with wisdom will not blindly follow the so-called alliance … We hope that relevant countries can look at China’s development rationally and go with the trend of the times and reject a Cold War mentality,” Hua said.
On March 22, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that China decided to sanction 10 individuals and four entities in the EU for severely harming China’s sovereignty and interests and maliciously spreading lies and disinformation.
“The EU’s move, based on nothing but lies and disinformation, disregards and distorts facts, grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs, flagrantly breaches international law and basic norms governing international relations and severely undermines China-EU relations,” the statement said.