Bangladesh, June 17 -- The 40th round of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue, held on June 14 in Brussels, once again brought to the fore the deeply entrenched differences between the European Union and China regarding the definition, prioritization, and application of human rights principles. While such dialogues are, in theory, intended to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, they have too often devolved into confrontational forums where ideological assumptions overshadow genuine engagement.

In this latest round, the EU reportedly reiterated familiar criticisms, focusing on issues such as freedom of expression, religious practice, and the situation in regions like Xinjiang, Tibet (Xizang), and Hong Kong. These topics, while imp...