China Normalizes Ties with European Parliament Ahead of Crucial Summit

On July 16, 2025, China announced the normalization of its relationship with the European Parliament, aiming to strengthen economic and political ties ahead of a scheduled summit later this month. This development follows a period of strained relations due to disputes over alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang, which led to mutual sanctions in 2021.

In 2021, the European Union imposed sanctions on Chinese officials over alleged human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang. In response, China sanctioned five EU lawmakers, including German politician Reinhard Bütikofer, banning them from entering Chinese territory. This led the European Parliament to halt official dialogue with China and suspend ratification of the pending Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI).

In May 2025, China lifted sanctions on the aforementioned EU lawmakers, signaling a step toward mending relations ahead of the planned summit in Beijing. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized continued engagement and dialogue with China, while senior lawmakers warned that the EU Parliament will continue to scrutinize China’s human rights record.

The upcoming summit marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, providing an opportunity to review and reaffirm their partnership. Both sides have expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation and addressing global challenges together.

China and the EU have substantial economic ties, with trade valued at €2.3 billion daily. However, the EU faces a significant trade deficit and increasing vulnerability due to reliance on Chinese critical minerals and market access. Ahead of the summit, China has engaged in a diplomatic charm offensive, including lifting sanctions on select EU parliamentarians and emphasizing the need for closer trade cooperation with Europe.

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain, including unresolved trade disputes and concerns over market access. The European Union has declined to participate in the EU-China High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue ahead of the summit, citing insufficient progress on multiple trade issues.

During climate talks in Beijing, European Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera urged China and the European Union to demonstrate the "strongest possible" commitment to the Paris Agreement. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang responded by affirming that China will announce its 2035 carbon emissions reduction target before the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil later this year.

The normalization of relations and the upcoming summit are significant developments in international diplomacy, with potential implications for global trade dynamics and political alignments. The lifting of sanctions on EU lawmakers may also influence public perception and discourse on human rights issues and international relations.

As both parties prepare for the upcoming summit, key issues such as trade imbalances, market access, and human rights concerns are expected to dominate discussions. The outcomes of the summit will likely have far-reaching implications for global trade dynamics and geopolitical alignments.