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China Lifts Sanctions on Active EU Lawmakers, Reopening Dialogue

The move ends a four-year diplomatic standoff but leaves EU sanctions on Chinese officials in place and investment talks frozen.

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Flaggen von China und Europa stehen nebeneinander.
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Overview

  • China has removed sanctions imposed in 2021 on active MEPs and the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights, allowing for renewed dialogue.
  • Sanctions remain in place for former MEPs, such as Reinhard Bütikofer, and certain EU bodies, reflecting a partial easing of restrictions.
  • The EU maintains its sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses, including those against the Uighur minority in Xinjiang.
  • EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the complexity of EU-China relations and the importance of dialogue, while others urged caution against overinterpreting the move.
  • The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment between the EU and China remains stalled, with human rights concerns continuing to be a major obstacle to progress.