European Parliament Passes Resolution to Boycott Beijing Olympics

Impact of Hong Kong's Apple Daily Closure
"Will Not Attend If Human Rights Situation Remains Unchanged"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution urging a boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics next year in response to the closure of Hong Kong's Apple Daily and other issues.

AFP reported on the 8th (local time) that "The European Parliament passed a resolution urging the European Union (EU) and its member states to boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics next year if the human rights situations in Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region do not improve." The vote was 578 in favor, 29 against, and 73 abstentions.

The resolution defined the Hong Kong anti-China media outlet Apple Daily as having been 'forcibly closed' and strongly criticized this action. Members of Parliament condemned the closure of Apple Daily as "another measure by Chinese authorities to dismantle Hong Kong's free society and eradicate freedom of the press and expression."

The resolution called on EU member states to sanction individuals and organizations responsible for human rights violations in Hong Kong and demanded that China repeal the Hong Kong National Security Law.

It welcomed the UK, Australia, and Canada for providing migration opportunities to Hong Kong citizens and urged EU member states to cooperate in the migration of Hong Kong democracy activists and political leaders.

Although the resolution is non-binding, it is expected to increase tensions between Europe and China. AFP reported that "the resolution received support from all mainstream parties, including the European People's Party (EPP), the largest group in the European Parliament."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.