EU Is Set to Air ‘Grave Concern’ Over China’s Move in Hong Kong

The European Union is poised to express “grave concern” over sweeping new Chinese national-security legislation in Hong Kong and to question China’s respect for its international commitments.

The stance is outlined in a draft EU statement drawn up as part of a video conference on Friday of the 27-nation bloc’s foreign ministers. China is a main subject of the meeting, which is being led by EU foreign-policy chief Josep Borrell.

“The EU expresses its grave concern at the steps taken yesterday by China, which are not in conformity with its international commitments,” says the draft seen by Bloomberg News. “This decision further calls into question China’s will to uphold its international commitments.”

Europe is engaged in a balancing act in dealing with an increasing assertive China. The EU has sought to enlist Beijing’s help as U.S. President Donald Trump has turned his back on international organizations and agreements, while the bloc also shares Washington’s concerns about alleged unfair Chinese trade and investment practices.

The EU is China’s No. 1 trade partner, while the Chinese market is the second biggest for exports from the bloc after the U.S.