Angela Merkel Takes Aim At China, Expresses Deep Concern over Hong Kong Situation

Europe has taken notice to the US-China rivalry and is set to discuss the middle kingdom in their latest two-day long summit, South China Post reports. Ahead of that meeting, German Chancellor Angela Merkel took aim at the recent occurrences in Hong Kong.

Speaking in the Budestag (Germany’s Parliament), Merkel took an ambiguous stand on China. On one hand, she appreciated Xi Jinping’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Chinese President had promised to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. He also spoke of limiting carbon dioxide emissions in the next 10 years.

Merkel mentioned that China’s ambitious targets should inspire Europe to fulfill their pledges. However, ANI quoted her saying, “Of course, dialogue with China also means that we very clearly express our different opinions. After all, we have fundamentally different social systems - just look at the ways in which artificial intelligence is used in China.”

The Chancellor added, “We have pointed out we are deeply concerned about the development in Hong Kong, where the 'one country, two systems' principle is being increasingly undermined. We are going to keep addressing that, just as we do on the dreadful and often horrible treatment of minority rights in China.”

Last month, it had emerged that Germany will be looking to develop stronger ties with democratic nations in the India-Pacific as Europe increases its attentions towards China’s human rights violations.