The European Parliament’s decision to resume engagement with China follows the lifting of sanctions imposed on five MEPs in 2021. This resumption, however, is not without caveats, as significant concerns remain regarding China’s trade practices, including market distortions and restrictive access barriers. Despite the renewed dialogue, MEPs maintain their critical stance on China’s human rights record and industrial policies. Obstacles to a positive EU-China trade relationship persist, necessitating further discussions on these key issues.
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In response to US sanctions against six Chinese officials for alleged “transnational repression” in Hong Kong, China announced tit-for-tat sanctions. These sanctions target US Congress members, officials, and NGO heads deemed to have acted severely on Hong Kong-related issues. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US actions as interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of international law. This latest action escalates tensions between the two nations, adding to existing tariff disputes.
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China imposed sanctions on ten additional US defense firms, including subsidiaries of Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon, for supplying arms to Taiwan. These companies were added to China’s “Unreliable Entities List,” prohibiting them from import/export activities and investment in China, while also barring their senior managers from entry. This action follows similar sanctions imposed last week on seven other US firms, escalating tensions over China’s claim to Taiwan. The sanctions are justified by China as necessary to protect national security and sovereignty. These measures further demonstrate China’s increasing pressure on Taiwan and the US.
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The EU is proposing its fifteenth sanctions package against Russia, targeting entities aiding the war effort in Ukraine. This includes asset freezes for six Chinese companies and one Chinese individual, along with visa bans for 54 individuals and asset freezes for 29 companies, primarily Russian. The sanctions aim to further restrict Russian access to resources and international cooperation. Despite previous sanctions impacting visa access, Russian tourist and business visa applications to the EU have still increased significantly.
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John Q. Hosedrinker