Beijing reportedly plans to lift sanctions on European lawmakers, reviving the stalled EU-China investment deal.
This strategic move addresses economic pressures from recent US tariff hikes.
According to the Financial Times, negotiations between Chinese officials and the European Parliament are nearing conclusion.
Roberta Metsola’s spokesperson confirmed discussions, emphasizing the EU’s longstanding demand for normalized relations.
Originally, China imposed sanctions in 2021 after Western nations penalized its Xinjiang policies.
In retaliation, EU lawmakers froze ratification of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI).
The deal, once hailed as transformative, aimed to deepen trade ties but remains dormant. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry has not yet commented, though the sanctions’ removal signals a diplomatic shift.
However, this pivot aligns with China’s broader efforts to counter US trade restrictions.
Earlier in April, former President Trump announced steep tariffs on Chinese goods, compounding economic strain.
While US duties average 145%, exemptions for smartphones and a 90-day tariff pause for other nations offer limited relief.
By easing tensions with Europe, China seeks alternative partnerships to mitigate isolation.
Despite progress, EU-China relations face lingering complexities.
Beijing’s support for Russia following the Ukraine invasion continues to unsettle European leaders.
Analysts note that trust rebuilding will require sustained dialogue, particularly on geopolitical alignments.
As both sides advance toward sanction resolution, attention turns to the CAI’s revival prospects.
A ratified deal could unlock billions in cross-border investments and stabilize supply chains. Nevertheless, divergent views on human rights and security may still delay consensus.
Ultimately, this diplomatic thaw underscores China’s urgency to recalibrate global alliances amid escalating US-China rivalry.
For the EU, balancing economic interests with political principles remains a delicate challenge.
The coming weeks will test whether symbolic gestures translate into tangible cooperation or reveal enduring fractures.
