On the night of March 22, 2021, Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang summoned Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to China Nicolas Chapuis. On behalf of the Chinese government, he lodged stern representations and strong condemnation over the EU's decision of imposing unilateral sanctions against China under the pretext of the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang made at an EU foreign ministers meeting a few hours ago, and notified China's relevant countermeasures.

Qin Gang pointed out that the sanctions imposed by the EU side were based on lies and misleading information related to Xinjiang and are inconsistent with facts, laws and justification. The EU side is not qualified to play the role of "a human rights preacher". China urges the EU side to recognize the seriousness of its wrongdoings, rectify them and put an end to the confrontation in order to avoid greater damage to China-EU ties. China's will and determination to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests are unwavering.