What's happened
On May 6, 2025, the European Commission proposed new sanctions targeting 60 individuals and entities, alongside restrictions on 150 vessels, escalating tensions with China. This follows the recent lifting of sanctions on several Chinese officials, aimed at fostering dialogue despite ongoing human rights concerns.
What's behind the headline?
Current Tensions
- The proposed sanctions reflect ongoing concerns about China's human rights record and its geopolitical maneuvers.
- The EU is attempting to balance its economic interests with a principled stance on human rights.
Implications for EU-China Relations
- The lifting of previous sanctions was seen as a potential thaw in relations, but the new sanctions indicate a complex and cautious approach.
- The EU's strategy appears to be one of engagement while maintaining pressure on China regarding human rights.
Future Outlook
- The EU's actions may lead to further diplomatic tensions, especially with the U.S. under President Trump, who has a contentious relationship with China.
- The situation remains fluid, with potential for both escalation and dialogue depending on future developments.
What the papers say
According to Bloomberg, the European Commission's proposed sanctions would target 60 individuals and entities, expanding the total number of sanctioned vessels to over 300. This move comes shortly after the European Parliament lifted sanctions on several Chinese officials, as reported by the South China Morning Post, which emphasized the EU's desire for dialogue despite ongoing human rights concerns. The lifting of sanctions was described by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola as essential for discussing European interests without repercussions. However, EU sources caution that the investment deal with China remains unlikely, indicating a cautious approach to improving relations. The complexity of the EU-China relationship is underscored by the ongoing tensions surrounding human rights and economic policies, particularly regarding state subsidies and trade practices.
How we got here
The EU-China relationship has been strained since 2021 due to reciprocal sanctions over human rights issues in Xinjiang. The recent lifting of sanctions by the European Parliament was intended to facilitate discussions on European interests without fear of repercussions.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the new sanctions?
- How has China's response been to the EU's actions?
- What does this mean for future EU-China relations?
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Roberta Metsola (Maltese: [rɔˈbɛrtɐ ˈmɛt͡sɔlɐ]; née Tedesco Triccas; born 18 January 1979) is a Maltese politician who has served as the president of the European Parliament since January 2022. She is a member of Malta's Nationalist Party (PN) a
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The European Parliament is one of three legislative branches of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union, it adopts European legislation, normally on a proposal from the European Commission.
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