Human Rights Watch has called on French President Emmanuel Macron to prioritize human rights during his upcoming visit to China. As Macron prepares for high-level discussions aimed at reshaping geopolitical relations among Europe, China, and the United States from December 3 to 5, 2025, the advocacy group emphasizes the importance of integrating human rights within France’s broader policy dealings with China. This approach contrasts with past practices where these issues have often been sidelined in favor of economic and political priorities.
Key concerns highlighted during this visit include labor rights abuses within Chinese supply chains, particularly involving companies linked to the fast fashion retailer Shein. Allegations have surfaced that workers in these factories endure excessive hours, low wages, and insufficient labor protections. These concerns extend to broader documented instances of forced labor affecting Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim communities in industries such as cotton, automotive, and solar energy. In response, the EU is set to fully implement a regulation by December 2027 that bans products made with forced labor from being sold or imported into the Union.
The advocacy group also draws attention to the use of commercial drones produced by China-based companies, which have reportedly been used by Russia to target civilians in Ukraine. Macron is urged to press the Chinese government during his visit to prevent these drones from reaching sanctioned entities and to involve Chinese companies in investigations of such attacks.
Another pressing issue involves China’s practice of transnational repression, where individuals residing outside China face repercussions for their activities abroad. The recent case of Tara Zhang Yadi, a Chinese student who studied in France and was detained upon her return to China, exemplifies these concerns. Zhang faces severe charges linked to her advocacy for Tibetan rights, underscoring the need for Macron to champion international standards of freedom and expression during his talks.
In addition to these specific concerns, there is an overarching call for recognizing the interconnection between human rights and economic policies. Arguments suggest that France and the EU can reinforce their diplomatic and trade influence by ensuring China’s compliance with international labor standards, particularly those ratified under International Labour Organization Conventions 29 and 105 on forced labor.
Macron’s visit is poised as a critical opportunity to align dialogue on human rights with broader geopolitical strategies, reinforcing the principle of cooperation and the respect for international standards within Sino-French relations. For more insights on this issue, further reading is available.