Washington, Jan 25 (NationPress) The US-based organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to address issues of repression during his upcoming four-day visit to China, starting this Sunday.

HRW's statement reads: "Orpo’s visit is more than just a diplomatic mission; it serves as a litmus test for Finland's ability to balance its relations between two powerful nations while upholding its fundamental principles, which must encompass a commitment to democratic values and human rights."

This visit follows previous engagements by leaders from countries such as Ireland, Sweden, France, Germany, and Canada, who emphasized trade and investment while relegating human rights issues to mere symbolic statements. This renewed diplomatic approach illustrates the desire of nations to expand economic ties and lessen their reliance on the United States.

HRW cautioned, "While democratic deterioration and coercive tactics from the Trump administration have raised concerns, a closer alignment with an openly authoritarian China should elicit even greater alarm throughout Europe."

Moreover, Finland’s Joint Action Plan with China (2025–2029) highlights this disparity, as it details ambitious collaborations on innovation, green technology, and trade, with only vague allusions to human rights. This strategy overlooks the myriad ways in which China’s repressive actions impact Finland directly," the organization noted.

HRW has criticized China for being among the most egregious violators of human rights globally. The ongoing humanitarian crises in Xinjiang include arbitrary detention, extensive surveillance, and forced labor of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims, according to HRW's statement.

Furthermore, HRW pointed out that these abuses present challenges for Finnish industries. Sectors such as clean energy and technology may risk entanglement with compromised supply chains, despite the impending European Union regulation aimed at outlawing forced labor imports, set to take effect in late 2027. China's violations of labor rights extend far beyond Xinjiang, propelling a global race to the bottom in labor standards, which contributes to localized job losses, fostering resentment and populism in both Europe and the United States.

HRW alleged that individuals in Hong Kong live in fear of receiving lengthy prison sentences for voicing dissent, while religious and cultural rights continue to be suppressed in Tibet. Additionally, the organization accused China of targeting activists abroad, including those residing in Europe, to silence dissent.