Billions of Dollars in Trade or Human Rights?

Choosing Between Billions in Trade or Human Rights

March 23, 2024 TruthUSA

The dilemma of addressing the CCP’s human rights violations while balancing trade relationships is a long-standing issue.

Commentary

The recent visit of Beijing’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to Australia on March 20-21, has once again highlighted the intersection of human rights and trade.

The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides clear guidance.

The preamble of the declaration, as seen in the first two paragraphs, states that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.” It also emphasizes that “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.”

According to the above, prioritizing trade over human rights poses a threat to freedom, justice, and peace, and can lead to acts that outrage human conscience.

Following her recent meeting with Foreign Minister Wang on March 20, Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong addressed human rights concerns, including those in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong.

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She confirmed: “As you would expect, I raised Australia’s concerns about human rights, including in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong.”

A significant omission was the absence of Falun Gong, an ancient Chinese spiritual practice facing persecution for 25 years and considered the largest persecuted group in China, with 70-100 million adherents.

Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, and its persecution in China, play a crucial role in Australia-China relations.

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