China has decided to lift sanctions on MEPs.
The Chinese authorities have lifted sanctions against Members (and their families) of the European Parliament, and also against Committees. After that, the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola made an official statement.
“Our parliamentary committees need to be able to discuss European issues with Chinese counterparts without fear of consequences. Our relationship with China is complex and multifaceted. The best approach is through engagement and dialogue,” said Roberta Metsola.
On 22 March 2021, China imposed sanctions on 10 EU individuals and four entities. The sanctions banned the affected individuals from entering Chinese territory, leading the European Parliament to halt official dialogue with China.
These sanctions were a response to the European Union’s decision to impose restrictive measures against four Chinese officials for their involvement in human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang.
In September 2014, China initiated efforts to re-establish communication, and numerous meetings were held at various levels throughout the autumn of 2014. This culminated in China’s decision in 2025 to lift sanctions affecting members of parliament and its committees.
