Chinese threats of trade restrictions towards Sweden

10.12.2019

Question for written answer E-004326/2019
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Karin Karlsbro (Renew)

The Chinese ambassador to Sweden recently announced China’s intention of pursuing trade restrictions against Sweden as a direct consequence of the Swedish Government’s position on the case of the Swedish publisher Gui Minhai, who has been detained by Chinese authorities without trial for four years.

The Chinese Government is yet to divulge the precise details of these trade restrictions. No one wants a tit-for-tat escalation of trade tensions; however, it is imperative that the EU asserts our strategic autonomy.

If it were to be subjected to Chinese tariffs, would Sweden be able to count on the support of the EU as a whole?

A statement issued by a spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 24 January 2018 reads as follows: ‘The European Union fully supports the public statement and efforts of the Swedish government. We expect the Chinese authorities to immediately release Mr Gui from detention, allow him to reunite with his family and to receive consular and medical support in line with his rights’.

Could the EEAS reaffirm the above commitment to Gui Minhai and the Swedish Government’s efforts to set him free?