China moves closer to the European Union!

Seeking more allies against Trump, China has signaled a softening of relations with the EU by lifting sanctions it had imposed on members of the European Parliament.

China has ended the sanctions it had applied to four current and one former members of the European Parliament, as well as to the Subcommittee on Human Rights.

China made this decision as part of its efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic relations with Europe, particularly in response to the high tariffs the United States has imposed on Chinese goods.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said,

“Economic and trade cooperation between China and Europe is complementary in nature and mutually beneficial.”

“The legislative bodies of China and the EU are an important part of the relationship. We invite members of the European Parliament to visit China more frequently to facilitate closer ties and more dialogue.”

The European Union had begun imposing sanctions on Chinese officials due to the treatment of Uyghur Turks in the Xinjiang region, prompting China to respond in 2021 by imposing sanctions on members of the European Parliament.

In response to these sanctions against its members, the European Parliament had suspended the ratification process of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment between the European Union and China.

The agreement aimed to allow European companies to operate on a more level playing field in the Chinese market. China’s step back is seen as a signal for the reinitiation of long-suspended diplomatic talks between the parties.

Donald Trump’s additional tariffs on both China and Europe have unexpectedly brought China and the EU, long distant, closer together.

Source: Reuters