Communiqués
Statement by the Bureau of the EP China Delegation on conviction of Mr Jimmy Lai by Hong Kong's High Court on 15 December 2025 (16 December 2025)
Statement by the Bureau of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China (D-CN) on conviction of Mr Jimmy Lai by Hong Kong's High Court on 15 December 2025
The D-CN Bureau of the issued the following statement today:
We strongly condemn the politically motivated conviction of British citizen and pro-democracy media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai by Hong Kong's High Court on 15 December 2025 under national security charges, carrying a potential life sentence. This trial has severely undermined Hong Kong's rule of law.
This verdict exemplifies the severe erosion of democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law since the People's Republic of China imposed the 2020 National Security Law and subsequent ordinances, with which the People's Republic of China has violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration a legally binding treaty registered with the UN and decreased its trustworthiness internationally.
The European Parliament has continuously demanded Jimmy Lai's immediate release alongside other pro-democracy figures.
We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, and all detained activists and journalists.
The D-CN Bureau of the issued the following statement today:
We strongly condemn the politically motivated conviction of British citizen and pro-democracy media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai by Hong Kong's High Court on 15 December 2025 under national security charges, carrying a potential life sentence. This trial has severely undermined Hong Kong's rule of law.
This verdict exemplifies the severe erosion of democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law since the People's Republic of China imposed the 2020 National Security Law and subsequent ordinances, with which the People's Republic of China has violated the Sino-British Joint Declaration a legally binding treaty registered with the UN and decreased its trustworthiness internationally.
The European Parliament has continuously demanded Jimmy Lai's immediate release alongside other pro-democracy figures.
We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, and all detained activists and journalists.
Statement by the Bureau of the EP Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China (D-CN) after the 42nd EU-China IPM (16 October 2025)
Meeting between the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the People's Republic of China and the 42nd China-EU IPM Delegation of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China
The D-CN Bureau of the issued the following statement today:
"Today, the European Parliament and the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (PRC) held the first IPM since 2018. Parliamentary exchanges had been on hold since 2021 following the sanctions imposed by the Chinese government on Members of the European Parliament, the EP's Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Political and Security Committee, as well as national Members of Parliaments, researchers, and organisations. Earlier this year, the Chinese government unilaterally lifted the restrictions it had imposed on the European Parliament in March 2021 as a reaction to human rights related sanctions by the European Council. The EU's own restrictive measures related to human rights concerns remain in place.
The exchange took place in the context of a complex and evolving bilateral relationship, driven by developments related to Russia's war in Ukraine, widening asymmetries in our economic and trade relations as well as China's worsening human rights situation. Against this backdrop, both sides engaged in a frank discussion on political, regional, and global issues, trade and investment, and the future of EU-China relations.
The EP side consistently addressed issues of core concern to the EU and highlighted that unfortunately China's behaviour has led to aspects of competition and rivalry increasingly coming to the fore and overshadowing partnership. The European Parliament delegation reaffirmed the EU's interest in building a relationship with China grounded in mutual respect, reciprocity, and constructive engagement. At the same time, it underlined that progress towards a more stable and positive relationship depends on China's position regarding the war in Ukraine and its political and material support to sustain Russian aggressions against Ukraine. The delegation encouraged China to play a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
The European side emphasized that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are in the interest of the EU and the world and stressed that the EU rejects any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly through force or coercion. The EU will continue to pursue close cooperation with Taiwan within the framework of its One China policy. Furthermore, the European side rejected any distortion or misrepresentation of facts, particularly with regard to UN Resolution 2758.
MEPs raised a number of long-standing concerns regarding the human rights situation in China, referring amongst other to the cases of Sakharov laureate Ilham Tohti, Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, the Panchen Lama, and Swedish citizen Gui Minhai. They reiterated the call for their unconditional release, as well as for the full lifting of remaining restrictions imposed against European citizens and organisations in March 2021.
Regarding the economic and trade relationship, the European side emphasised with concern the deepening trade imbalance, with the EU's trade deficit having tripled since 2019 and European exports to China declining sharply. The delegation stressed that these trends have reached an unsustainable point of inflection and called for joint efforts to address underlying structural issues. While emphasising the importance for negotiated solutions and dialogue, the delegation recalled that the EU will take unilateral action in the context of its economic security strategy if engagement with the Chinese authorities remains futile. Any solutions to addressing China's overcapacity problems should avoid placing an undue burden on European taxpayers.
The D-CN expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recently introduced comprehensive export controls on rare earths, including the intrusive reporting requirements. The European Parliament called on China to increase transparency and predictability in export licensing and stressed that a functioning global economy must be based on mutual trust and market access.
Both sides also discussed issues such as climate change and environmental protection, areas in which the EU and China share responsibilities and opportunities for cooperation. The delegation underlined the importance of strengthening joint efforts in line with the commitments highlighted in the EU-China joint statement following the last EU-China summit. Nevertheless, the European side is urging China to also commit to contribute to climate solidarity via the Loss & Damage Fund that was formally established at COP27.
This was the first occasion since 2018 for both delegations to engage in such extensive discussions on the full range of issues in the EU and China's relation. The D-CN endeavours to uphold and develop exchanges and contacts with the Chinese side, notwithstanding deep differences, and mutual criticism. Both sides agreed to continue these exchanges next year."
The D-CN Bureau of the issued the following statement today:
"Today, the European Parliament and the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China (PRC) held the first IPM since 2018. Parliamentary exchanges had been on hold since 2021 following the sanctions imposed by the Chinese government on Members of the European Parliament, the EP's Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Political and Security Committee, as well as national Members of Parliaments, researchers, and organisations. Earlier this year, the Chinese government unilaterally lifted the restrictions it had imposed on the European Parliament in March 2021 as a reaction to human rights related sanctions by the European Council. The EU's own restrictive measures related to human rights concerns remain in place.
The exchange took place in the context of a complex and evolving bilateral relationship, driven by developments related to Russia's war in Ukraine, widening asymmetries in our economic and trade relations as well as China's worsening human rights situation. Against this backdrop, both sides engaged in a frank discussion on political, regional, and global issues, trade and investment, and the future of EU-China relations.
The EP side consistently addressed issues of core concern to the EU and highlighted that unfortunately China's behaviour has led to aspects of competition and rivalry increasingly coming to the fore and overshadowing partnership. The European Parliament delegation reaffirmed the EU's interest in building a relationship with China grounded in mutual respect, reciprocity, and constructive engagement. At the same time, it underlined that progress towards a more stable and positive relationship depends on China's position regarding the war in Ukraine and its political and material support to sustain Russian aggressions against Ukraine. The delegation encouraged China to play a constructive role in promoting a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
The European side emphasized that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are in the interest of the EU and the world and stressed that the EU rejects any unilateral change to the status quo, particularly through force or coercion. The EU will continue to pursue close cooperation with Taiwan within the framework of its One China policy. Furthermore, the European side rejected any distortion or misrepresentation of facts, particularly with regard to UN Resolution 2758.
MEPs raised a number of long-standing concerns regarding the human rights situation in China, referring amongst other to the cases of Sakharov laureate Ilham Tohti, Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai, the Panchen Lama, and Swedish citizen Gui Minhai. They reiterated the call for their unconditional release, as well as for the full lifting of remaining restrictions imposed against European citizens and organisations in March 2021.
Regarding the economic and trade relationship, the European side emphasised with concern the deepening trade imbalance, with the EU's trade deficit having tripled since 2019 and European exports to China declining sharply. The delegation stressed that these trends have reached an unsustainable point of inflection and called for joint efforts to address underlying structural issues. While emphasising the importance for negotiated solutions and dialogue, the delegation recalled that the EU will take unilateral action in the context of its economic security strategy if engagement with the Chinese authorities remains futile. Any solutions to addressing China's overcapacity problems should avoid placing an undue burden on European taxpayers.
The D-CN expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recently introduced comprehensive export controls on rare earths, including the intrusive reporting requirements. The European Parliament called on China to increase transparency and predictability in export licensing and stressed that a functioning global economy must be based on mutual trust and market access.
Both sides also discussed issues such as climate change and environmental protection, areas in which the EU and China share responsibilities and opportunities for cooperation. The delegation underlined the importance of strengthening joint efforts in line with the commitments highlighted in the EU-China joint statement following the last EU-China summit. Nevertheless, the European side is urging China to also commit to contribute to climate solidarity via the Loss & Damage Fund that was formally established at COP27.
This was the first occasion since 2018 for both delegations to engage in such extensive discussions on the full range of issues in the EU and China's relation. The D-CN endeavours to uphold and develop exchanges and contacts with the Chinese side, notwithstanding deep differences, and mutual criticism. Both sides agreed to continue these exchanges next year."
EEAS Press Release of 14 June 2025 - 40th Human Rights Dialogue with the European Union
The European Union and the People's Republic of China held the 40th session of the EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels on 13 June 2025. The Dialogue was preceded by a field visit to South Tyrol (Italy) on 11 June 2025.
EP Press release of 30 April 2025 - China lifts sanctions against MEPs
The lifting of Chinese sanctions against Members of the European Parliament marks a step in restoring parliamentary dialogue with China.
Today, President Metsola informed the Conference of Presidents of the decision of the Chinese authorities to lift the sanctions against any Member (as well as their families) and Committees of the European Parliament.
"As President, it is my responsibility to ensure that every Member of this House can exercise their mandate freely, without restrictions," President Metsola said. "Our parliamentary committees must be able to discuss European interests with their Chinese counterparts without fear of repercussions. Our relationship with China remains complex and multi-faceted. The best way to approach it is through engagement and dialogue."
The sanctions, imposed by China in March 2021, targeted five Members of the European Parliament and the Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights.
The Conference of Presidents reiterated that the lifting of sanctions does not mean the European Parliament will overlook persistent challenges in EU-China relations. Parliament will remain a strong defender of universal human rights and fundamental values worldwide while seeking to engage with global partners in a principled and clear-eyed manner.