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Madame President, Honourable Members 

We would like to recognise the immense bravery of people across China who recently came out to stand up and express themselves. It was an exceptional moment, for many reasons. Protesters came out despite many risks, ubiquitous mass surveillance, [and] the fear of being pursued afterwards.  

Protests happen in China, but they are usually local, on specific issues. Indeed, these demonstrations followed that of a lone protester, with slogans written on white banners, ahead of the 20th Party Congress – worryingly, his whereabouts remain unknown.  

But last month’s demonstrations happened in at least 12 cities; with people from many walks of life. Images spread on the internet as quickly as they were captured by surveillance cameras. The protests offered a show of inter-ethnic solidarity, after the fire in Xinjiang which tragically left, at least, 8 Uyghur Chinese citizens dead. 

The triple implications of social instability, economic impact, and people’s fatigue after almost 3 years of lockdowns seem to have led the authorities to conclude that the time has come to change the “zero-COVID” policy. The voices of the protesters did not, therefore, go unnoticed. 

No one can anticipate how things will evolve: the public health impacts, or what may happen in case of a large-scale pandemic outbreak. The challenge is massive, with a risk of grave consequences, as case numbers spiral, and health systems come under strain. President [of the European Council, Charles] Michel shared with President [of the People’s Republic of China] Xi [Jinping] Europe’s experience, with massive vaccination of all age groups going hand in hand with easing of measures. 

Those who chose to stand up and protest showed great courage. Systematic repression of public dissent by state authorities has been raised many times in this chamber. There are reports of security services tracking down protesters. Anyone who had a mobile phone switched on knows they may be traced. Many students were sent home from universities. People who took to the streets may still fear reprisals, especially those who chanted certain slogans, or sent images abroad.  

Honourable Members, the European Union will continue to speak up for the right to freedom of peaceful expression, everywhere in the world.  

That is a fundamental right, which must be enjoyed by everyone. 

Thank you for your attention. 

Link to the video (starting at 30:30): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-234710