The 40th round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held on June 14 in Brussels, once again brought to the fore the deeply entrenched differences between the European Union and China regarding the definition, prioritization, and application of human rights principles. While such dialogues are, in theory, intended to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, they have too often devolved into confrontational forums where ideological assumptions overshadow genuine engagement.

In this latest round, the EU reportedly reiterated familiar criticisms, focusing on issues such as freedom of expression, religious practice, and the situation in regions like Xinjiang, Tibet (Xizang), and Hong Kong. These topics, while important, are repeatedly framed through a Western liberal lens that assumes universality of certain political models and civil liberties, without fully appreciating the cultural, historical, and socio-political context of China’s development path.

China, in response, firmly rejected the accusations, asserting that matters relating to its governance-especially in regions like Xinjiang and Hong Kong-fall strictly within the realm of domestic affairs. China emphasized that these areas have seen significant progress in economic development, poverty alleviation, infrastructure expansion, and social stability. From Beijing’s perspective, such achievements represent genuine human rights improvements that often go unrecognized in Western narratives.

This difference in approach reflects a broader, recurring issue in global human rights discourse: the use of human rights as an ideological weapon rather than a bridge for understanding. The EU’s stance often betrays an implicit belief that the Western model of governance-centered on individual........

© Blitz