Brussels (TDI): The European Union has not signaled any reciprocation as China announces lifting of sanction from several members of the EU Parliament, imposed in 2021 as a response to EU’s sanctions on some Chinese officials, citing human rights violations in Xinjiang.
The lifting of sanctions means that the MEPs will now be able to travel to China. The move is being perceived as a potential kick starter for better relations between China and the European countries.
After Trump announced tariffs, many countries on the list started realigning their priorities, trying to secure alternate economic partnerships. China’s lifting sanctions is also being viewed as a ‘charm offensive’ to forge better trade relations with the European Union.
The diplomatic battle between China and the European Union peaked in 2021 when EU took the first step, sanctioning Chinese officials. China responded in kind and sanctioned some MEPs. This rift dimmed the chances of signing of a trade and investment deal between China and EU which was finalized at the end of 2020.
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The deal still remains frozen and it is hard to say if it will be revived ever again, since the EU has not made any statement about lifting the Xinjiang sanctions.
In the European perception, China is warming up toward improving economic ties. The economic challenges are equally grave currently for both EU and China. However, tariff negotiations are also under way between the US and European countries.
But the possibility of such negotiations between China and the US is still up in the air, as both countries are waiting for the other to take the first step.
Over the years, China and the EU have maintained difficult ties, in which the EU has consistently criticized China for not fulfilling human rights obligations. China, in response, has seen this criticism, as undue, unnecessary interference by the EU.
Nuzhat Rana is the Managing Editor (website) at The Diplomatic Insight.
