China has reacted strongly to a statement issued by the EU delegation in China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The statement, particularly robust on the situation in Xinjiang and Tibet, listed individual victims and urged China to abide by its obligations under national and international law, emphasizing civil and political rights.

President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, accompanied by High Representative Josep Borrell, had raised the situation in Tibet during the 24th EU-China Summit. The statement expressed concern about severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, particularly freedom of religion, and highlighted the risks of cultural erasure.

China strongly rejected the EU's accusations, accusing it of spreading disinformation, slandering China's image, and interfering in domestic affairs. The EU's call for unrestricted access by international experts to Tibet and other regions in China was reiterated, and the immediate release of individuals, including EU citizen Gui Minhai, was urged.

The U.S. also faced criticism from China after Ambassador Nicholas Burns condemned human rights abuses against Tibetans and the campaign to eliminate Tibet's unique identity. China urged the U.S. and EU to focus on their own human rights issues.