Greens-EFA in the European Parliament Hearing

Tuesday, 6 February 2007, 18.30h
European Parliament, ASP 1 G2

China’s rapid economic growth since the end of the Cold War has played an important role in its emergence as a major force in international politics. Concurrently with its economic growth, the country is going through a rapid social transformation, as a result of economic liberalisation and globalisation. To launch negotiations for a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner has visited China last week. The EU insisted that its arms embargo against China will remain until China’s human rights record improves, despite the two sides agreeing to expand their strategic partnership.

Dr Christine Loh emphasizes that Europe has to acknowledge that China does not function as a liberal Western democracy.

Guest speakers:

• Ms Christine Loh, founder of a non-profit Hong Kong based think tank Civic Exchange, member of the boarder of the organization Human Rights in China (HRIC), former Hong Kong legislator and founder of the Citizens Party
• Mr Wen Bo, environmentalist, campaigner for Greenpeace China and editor of numerous environmental publications
• Mr Günter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprises and Industry (to be confirmed)
• Mr Graham Watson, President of the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and member of the delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China

Moderation:

• Ms Helga Trüpel, Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Culture and Education and Member of the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China.

Please confirm your participation via email till 31/01/2007. If you need an entrance badge for the EP, you should be no later than 18.15 at the main entrance of the Paul-Henry-Spaak-Building in the Rue Wiertz. In this is the case EP security requires your date of birth and address, please include in your answer.