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Thank you, Vice-President, Honourable Members, 

Thank you for your contributions to this debate.  

I do not need to remind you about the EU’s persistent and grave concerns on the very serious human rights situation in China.  

The Chinese authorities in China’s Tibetan areas continue to severely and systemically restrict the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of religion or belief. 

Buddhist monks are held captive as political detainees or sentenced to re-education or prison. There are reports about the demolition of Buddhist Monasteries. The implementation of regulations by the Government of China are affecting and interfering with Tibetan Buddhism, including the succession and recognition of Lamas and “living Buddhas” continues.  

We continue to urge the Chinese Government not to interfere in succession processes, including in the succession process of the Dalai Lama. 

Soon, on 17 May, we will mark the sad 30th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism, whose whereabouts are unknown.

The recent, and suspicious death of prominent Tibetan Buddhist leader, Tulku Hungkar Dorje, in Vietnam is another source of concern on which further clarity should be sought through an independent investigation. 

Against this background, the EU will continue to reiterate the rights of individuals or religious communities to conduct their basic affairs and freely choose their religious leaders without government interference – whether in Tibet or elsewhere in the world.  

The EU follows Tibet’s ongoing human rights crisis very closely. My colleagues have kept the Subcommittee on Human Rights informed of our action. The Commission fully shares the concerns of this House, likeminded governments, the UN and academic experts and civil society in this area.  

As in the past, I can also assure you that the EU will continue to speak out against human rights violations occurring across China, including in Tibet.  

We will also continue to convey our concerns to the Chinese leadership including at the highest political level during EU-China Summits and other high-level meetings, in addition to the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue. 

Thank you. 

Link to the video [starting from 12:34]: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-271388