Statement on the Partial Lifting of Unjust Sanctions by the People's Republic of China
The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) welcomes the lifting of sanctions on a number of serving European lawmakers and officials that were unjustly imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). These sanctions, targeting democratically elected representatives and civil society actors, were an attack not only on the individuals concerned but on the principles of free expression, democratic accountability, and the rule of law.
However, it must be clearly stated: the removal of some sanctions does not constitute a favour that warrants concessions from the European Union. These sanctions were baseless from the outset, and their partial withdrawal should not be rewarded with policy changes or a softening of stance on issues of fundamental concern.
We are further concerned that Beijing’s decision appears to prioritise the lifting of sanctions against politicians and officials currently in office, while leaving broader sanctions against civil society organisations, researchers, and former officials and politicians intact. This approach signals a selective and self-serving strategy aimed at restoring formal diplomatic channels while ignoring the broader injustices inflicted on independent voices.
Civil society must not become collateral damage in the EU-China relationship. Freedom of association, research, and advocacy are vital to the health of democratic societies, and their defence must be as robust as our defence of elected officials.
Moreover, the lifting of these sanctions does not address the deeper, ongoing concerns regarding the EU’s economic relationship with China. Even without the shadow of sanctions, Europe faces serious risks from structural economic dependencies, industrial overcapacity, and aggressive market distortions, particularly in critical sectors such as green technologies and infrastructure. In the current fragile economic climate, these concerns demand vigilance, diversification, and resilience — not a premature return to business as usual.
Europe’s engagement with China must be guided by a clear-eyed assessment of risks and values — not by gratitude for the partial undoing of wrongful acts. IPAC remains committed to supporting legislators and civil society leaders who stand up for human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of our democratic institutions.
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