On Wednesday, April 30th, the President of the European Parliament confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) partially lifted unjust sanctions against European parliamentarians. Since the United States imposed tariffs in early April, Beijing has increased its efforts to woo the European Union. This move by the CCP has raised concerns among European officials.
In 2021, the CCP imposed sanctions on five European parliamentarians and members of the European Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee in retaliation for the EU’s actions on human rights in Xinjiang.
Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, stated in a release, “Our parliamentary committees must be able to engage with China on European interests without fearing repercussions.”
The European Parliament mentioned in a press release that the lifting of sanctions does not mean the EU will ignore ongoing concerns in its relationship with China (CCP).
“Our relationship with China (CCP) remains complex and multi-faceted. The best way to handle this relationship is through engagement and dialogue,” Metsola said.
The “Inter-Parliamentary Alliance of China” (IPAC), composed of officials from 18 countries, said in a statement that the Chinese sanctions lacked a legitimate basis, targeting elected representatives and civil society members in Europe, challenging freedom of speech, democratic accountability, and the rule of law.
The statement underscored that the EU should not view Beijing’s partial lifting of sanctions as a “favor,” and it “should not provide a reason for the EU to make policy concessions.”
“These sanctions were baseless from the start, and the partial withdrawal should not be exchanged for substantive returns, nor should it lead to softening positions on major issues,” the statement read.
It pointed out that this is a clear case of selective behavior by the CCP, aiming to selectively repair certain diplomatic channels. On one hand, lifting sanctions against current officials and political figures, while continuing widespread sanctions on civil society organizations, researchers, former officials, and retired parliamentarians.
“Lifting sanctions will not address the deep structural issues in the EU-China economic relationship. Even without sanctions, Europe still faces major challenges such as structural dependence on China, overcapacity, and market distortions… Amid the current fragile economic situation, Europe must remain vigilant, promote diversification, and enhance resilience. This is the correct direction, rather than hastily returning to a ‘business as usual’ economic and trade model with China,” the statement emphasized.
IPAC includes some European officials or former officials who have been sanctioned by the CCP.