Chinese support for Russia must have consequences for EU-China relations

Ahead of the EU-China summit, a statement by leading MEPs was co-signed. There are signatures of David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium), the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on China.

“The EU-China Summit is taking place in unprecedented circumstances with a war on the European continent and following several turbulent years in EU-China relations. China’s ambiguous stance on the war in Ukraine is worrisome and the EU needs to assess it carefully and adopt a strategic response to China’s projection of power and influence. We recognize the strategic importance of the EU-China relationship. However, any Chinese support to Russia must have consequences for EU-China relations. The EU should therefore call on China to use its influence constructively and responsibly,” the statement reads.

MEPs said that it has been one year since China imposed sanctions on EU entities and individuals, including MEPs. The EU should insist that China lifts these unjustified sanctions.

(WBJ)