EU-China relations: MEPs defend dialogue, fair trade, and human rights
-
Call for economic reciprocity and a proportionate EU response if China does not open its markets
-
China should use its influence on Russia to help end the war in Ukraine
-
Pressure should be kept up on Beijing to ease repression and free political prisoners
The European Parliament demands a stronger and principled EU-China policy that combines dialogue with more protection of European interests.
In a recommendation adopted on Wednesday by 454 votes in favour, 86 against and 110 abstentions and addressed to the other EU institutions, MEPs state the EU’s interest is in reinforcing a multilateral world. They stress the importance of dialogue with China on global challenges, peace and security, climate and human rights. At the same time, they note that bilateral relations have reached a critical point due to China’s unfair economic practices and its position on Russia’s war against Ukraine. MEPs express deep concern over verified reports that the Chinese military has trained Russian military personnel to fight in Ukraine. The EU should, they argue, coordinate with the United States, G7 members, and other like-minded partners, and encourage China to use its influence on Russia to help end the war.
Reducing dependencies and defending European values
MEPs say urgent action is needed against the weaponisation of EU economic overreliance on China, alongside a rigorous de-risking strategy focused on critical raw materials, medicines, batteries, electric vehicles, information and communication technology, semiconductors and other strategic sectors. They call for stronger investment screening and protection of critical technologies, infrastructure and supply chains. Parliament identifies China’s industrial overcapacity, state subsidies, and other restrictions on European firms’ access to the Chinese market as growing challenges to the EU economy.
MEPs demand reciprocity and a level playing field in trade and investment and support proportionate EU action where China fails to open its internal markets. It also calls for stronger Global Gateway partnerships providing a credible alternative to China’s belt and road initiative, particularly in Africa and Latin America. The report reaffirms the EU’s One China policy while opposing any unilateral change to the status quo in Taiwan by force or coercion.
MEPs call for stronger resilience against cyberattacks, foreign interference, espionage and hybrid threats, while demanding reinforced human rights dialogue and pressure on China over repression, forced labour and policies in Tibet and Xinjiang. Parliament expresses deep concern over the adoption of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress and its potential to further institutionalise assimilationist policies. They also call for the unconditional release of political prisoners.
Quote
Rapporteur Hilde Vautmans (Renew, BE) said: “Today’s majority marks a turning point in Europe’s China policy. With this week’s Franco-German initiative, a broad EU consensus is emerging on the need for a more balanced economic relationship with China. I hope Commissioner Šefčovič will take this united economic message to Beijing tomorrow. But this report goes even further: we want cooperation with China where possible, while standing firm on our security and values. As long as fundamental differences persist, systemic rivalry will also be part of our relationship.”
Background
Between March and June 2026 three parliamentary delegations visited China; a fourth should follow later in October 2026. Direct contacts between the European Parliament and Chinese authorities resumed last year after being effectively frozen since 2021, when the Chinese government imposed sanctions on several MEPs in response to the EU’s human rights sanctions against Chinese officials and organisations.
