In a bid to court the European Union amid escalating trade tensions with the United States, China has lifted sanctions on five European lawmakers. The sanctions, imposed in 2021, were a retaliatory response to EU measures targeting Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in Xinjiang. The Chinese sanctions barred the lawmakers and their families from entering the country.
In response, the European Parliament suspended all official dialogue with Beijing and froze the ratification process of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has recently held several meetings with the Chinese ambassador. A spokesperson for Metsola confirmed that negotiations are nearing completion, emphasizing that lifting the sanctions and restoring formal ties with China has been a key priority for the Parliament.
EU and Chinese leaders are expected to hold a summit in China this July to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides.
Source: Radio France International, May 2, 2025
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