At the European Parliament Delegation Meeting on China on 21 November 2007, Mr Mickalis Rokas, the representative from the European Commission, was challenged by interesting questions on human rights issues in what was otherwise a routine meeting.

One important question was related to religious freedom in China during the Olympic Games. Following persistent rumours and reports that China is planning to ban all athletes, spectators and visitors from bringing religious texts into the country or exhibiting religious symbols during the Olympic Games, Mr. Rokas was asked whether the Commission had knowledge of any response of China on this issue, whether it would lead to a resolution and/or it would be discussed in the context of the EU-China Summit. Failing to answer the first part of the question, Mr. Rokas replied that "it is not for the EU to raise these issues". While Mr. Rokas hopes that China will fulfil its obligations, he referred all responsibility to the International Olympic Committee and its Chairman, Mr. Jacques Rogge. The issue will therefore not be discussed at the EU-China Summit to be held in Beijing on 28 November.

The second crucial human rights question concerned the possible discussion of the treatment of North Korean refugees by Beijing at the EU-China Summit. Mr. Rokas answered that this issue was a source of serious concern to the EU and that it would definitely be discussed under the International Relations Chapter – and surprisingly not the Human Rights Chapter – of the Summit.