By Uyghur Times Staff
May 12, 2025, 10:30 am CET
In a move signaling a possible thaw in strained relations, China has lifted sanctions on five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights — a gesture welcomed by EU officials but met with caution over persistent human rights concerns, especially regarding Uyghurs in the Uyghur homeland.
Beijing imposed sanctions in 2021 in retaliation for EU restrictions on Chinese officials accused of orchestrating human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in the Uyghur homeland. The Chinese blacklist included MEPs and academics, accusing them of “maliciously spreading lies and disinformation.” The sanctions helped derail a major 2020 EU-China trade and investment agreement.
Some facts:
- Five MEPs and the Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee were blacklisted by Beijing in 2021.
- The EU sanctions remain in place against Chinese officials for abuses in the Uyghur homeland.
- Sanctioned individuals were barred from entering China or conducting business with Chinese entities.
- China faces U.S. tariffs of up to 145% and is seeking new export markets.
Victim Stories
Miriam Lexmann, a Slovak MEP who was sanctioned by China, said the change “means practically nothing” to her work. She vowed to continue speaking out against Beijing’s oppression, especially its policies toward Uyghurs.
China’s reversal is widely seen as part of a broader geopolitical recalibration amid increasing tensions with the United States. With former U.S. President Donald Trump returning to the global stage and enacting steep tariffs, China is attempting to woo European partners through diplomatic gestures.
Response and Actions
A European Parliament spokesperson emphasized that the EU’s intent is to resume engagement with China, but only through principled dialogue. “The lifting of sanctions does not mean the European Parliament will overlook persistent challenges in EU-China relations,” the Parliament said in a statement.
The European Commission also confirmed that its sanctions against Chinese officials will remain. “We have not observed changes in the human rights situation in Xinjiang,” a spokesperson said, reaffirming the EU’s stance.
“After Trump’s return, the Chinese have been on a charm offensive to convince global actors that they should look to China for a reliable partner.” – Varg Folkman, European Policy Centre
“The main goal of the Chinese in lifting sanctions is likely to pave the way for trade discussions with the EU.” – Varg Folkman
“It has always been the European Parliament’s intention to have sanctions lifted and resume relations with China.” – European Parliament spokesperson
“I will continue to criticize Beijing’s human rights abuses — nothing changes for me.” – MEP Miriam Lexmann
The EU’s 2021 sanctions were part of a broader transatlantic response to what the EU called “large-scale arbitrary detentions” of Uyghurs, which many human rights groups label as crimes against humanity. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities connected to abuses in the Uyghur homeland.
Observers and rights organizations urge the EU to maintain a strong stance on China’s human rights record, especially amid diplomatic maneuvering. Human rights should not become a bargaining chip in trade negotiations, they argue.
While China’s move to lift sanctions on EU lawmakers may smooth diplomatic conversations ahead of the upcoming July summit in Beijing, European officials are clear: there will be no compromise on human rights. The EU will not trade away its values — especially not at the expense of Uyghur lives.
