Controversial and hasty conclusion of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment with China – Written Quetsion to HR/VP

On 30.12.2020 the EU and China concluded the negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). The EP in its recent resolution regrets that by rushing to reach this agreement while not taking concrete action against ongoing grave human right violations in Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet, the EU risks undermining its credibility as a global human rights actor[1]. Although the EC claimed that CAI is not the appropriate tool to raise human rights concerns, it is notable that the EU has not used its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Chinese officials responsible for these abuses.

Other serious concern regarding CAI is PRC’s policy of using its economy as a weapon. Despite ChAFTA, Beijing has hit Australia with hostile trade restrictions when Australia called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The example of Australia proves that China will use its economy against any partner when it suits it, even if such aggressive actions breach existing international agreements or PCR’s own commitments.

How does the CAI protect the EU and its member states from hostile economic actions by China, similar to those targeted at Australia?