Xinjiang – Dispute over access for UN observers comes to a head

The dispute between the EU and Beijing over access for an international observer mission to the Chinese province of Xinjiang continues to escalate. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell renewed calls on China in a speech to the UN Human Rights Council yesterday to allow independent observers „meaningful“ access to the region. „This is key to allowing an independent, impartial and transparent assessment of the serious concerns of the international community,“ Borrell said. China must also respect „fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and democratic principles in Hong Kong“ and ensure a high degree of autonomy under the „one country, two systems“ principle, he said.