In a major shift that could reshape diplomatic and economic relations, China has officially lifted sanctions on five current and former Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), a move that opens the door for renewed trade talks between Beijing and Brussels. The decision comes after years of strained relations and marks a potential turning point in efforts to revive negotiations on long-stalled trade agreements.
Contents
Background on the Sanctions
China imposed the sanctions in 2021 in retaliation for EU measures targeting Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim population in Xinjiang. The punitive actions included travel bans and asset freezes directed at several outspoken MEPs, including Michael Gahler, Raphaël Glucksmann, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Miriam Lexmann, and former parliamentarian Reinhard Bütikofer.
The European Parliament responded by freezing ratification of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), a long-anticipated deal aimed at deepening EU-China economic ties. The political deadlock that followed significantly cooled diplomatic exchanges and put formal trade negotiations on hold.
A Diplomatic Breakthrough
On April 30, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed during a closed-door meeting that China had lifted the sanctions, calling it a “step forward” in restoring functional diplomatic dialogue. Metsola’s office had previously indicated that talks to end the sanctions were in their final stages following months of behind-the-scenes discussions.
A senior official from the Parliament, speaking anonymously, noted that the removal of the sanctions is intended to “rebuild trust” and “reopen lines of communication” at the highest levels. The announcement comes ahead of a planned EU-China summit scheduled for July 2025, where trade and investment will top the agenda.
Implications for EU-China Trade Relations
With the sanctions lifted, momentum is building to resume formal discussions around the CAI and other trade-related matters. Although no timeline has been announced, both sides are reportedly eager to re-engage, given shifting geopolitical dynamics. The move also signals a possible recalibration of China’s strategy as it faces heightened tensions with the United States.
MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the Committee on International Trade, emphasized the opportunity but urged caution. “This is a positive gesture, but it does not resolve the underlying issues. The EU must continue to address concerns over market access, industrial overcapacity, and human rights,” Lange stated.
Response from Beijing
Chinese officials expressed optimism following the announcement. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry described the decision as a “mutual step forward” and voiced hope for a “more stable and constructive relationship” with the EU. The ministry reiterated China’s stance that cooperation with Europe remains mutually beneficial, especially in areas like green technology and digital innovation.
Observers note that China’s move to ease tensions with the EU comes at a time when its economic relations with the U.S. have become increasingly adversarial, driven by tariffs, trade restrictions, and technology controls introduced under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
Looking Ahead
While the lifting of sanctions marks a significant development, analysts caution that long-term progress will depend on how both sides navigate lingering points of contention. Human rights, cybersecurity, and foreign investment rules are expected to remain key sticking points in future negotiations.
Nevertheless, the diplomatic thaw could reinvigorate talks that have remained stagnant for years. With a high-level summit on the horizon and growing interest in diversifying economic partnerships, both the EU and China may find renewed incentive to move beyond past disagreements and focus on shared economic goals.
