MEPs Press China on Ukraine, Trade

A delegation from the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee concluded a three-day mission to China on July 23, holding talks in Beijing and Shanghai on EU-China relations, the war in Ukraine, trade and global cooperation.

Led by committee chair David McAllister, the eight-member delegation met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, senior officials from the National People’s Congress and representatives of the Communist Party of China. Members also held discussions with European diplomats, business representatives and academics, and met Shanghai officials while observing applications of artificial intelligence.

The lawmakers urged China to use its influence over Russia to support a ceasefire in Ukraine and a peace agreement based on the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also called on Beijing to stop transferring dual-use goods and components to entities supporting Russia’s war effort, while reiterating concerns about human rights in China.

On trade, the delegation described the EU’s deficit with China—estimated in the release at €1 billion per day—as unsustainable and called for greater reciprocity and a level playing field. Both sides also discussed climate action, the green transition, responsible AI governance and strengthening multilateral cooperation. Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee is expected to adopt recommendations on EU-China political relations in the autumn.