A delegation of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), led by Chair David McAllister, concluded a three-day mission to China on 23 July 2026, urging Beijing to use its influence on Russia to press for a ceasefire in Ukraine and to cease transfers of dual-use goods supporting Russia's war effort. The eight-member delegation also raised concerns over the human rights situation in China and described the EU's record €1 billion per day trade deficit with China as unsustainable, calling for reciprocity and a level playing field.
The mission, which took place from 21 to 23 July in Beijing and Shanghai, is one of the most significant foreign policy engagements undertaken by AFET in its current term. It follows a visit by Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee in late March 2026, and a delegation of MEPs travelled to China in May for the 43rd EU-China Inter-Parliamentary Meeting. The International Trade Committee is expected to visit later in 2026. AFET is set to adopt its recommendation on EU-China political relations in the autumn.
In Beijing, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, National People's Congress First Vice-Chairperson Li Hongzhong, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairperson Lou Qinjian. They also exchanged with EU and member state ambassadors, the EU Chamber of Commerce, and the International Department of the Communist Party of China, including Minister Liu Haixing. In Shanghai, the delegation was received by Mayor Gong Zheng and visited Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, witnessing practical applications of AI days after the city hosted the World Artificial Intelligence Conference.
MEPs stressed China's crucial role in international affairs and the defence of the multilateral system, urging the country to use its influence on Russia for a just peace grounded in the UN Charter and Ukraine's sovereignty. They reiterated calls to cease transfers of dual-use goods to entities supporting Russia's war, stating that a country presenting itself as a force for peace cannot sustain the aggressor's economy. On human rights, the delegation raised continued concerns, emphasising that human rights are universal. On trade, MEPs described the record deficit as unsustainable and called for reciprocity, a level playing field, and trust to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
Despite significant differences, both sides agreed that stable and balanced EU-China relations are in their mutual interest and emphasised cooperation on multilateralism, climate action, the green transition, and responsible AI governance. MEPs expressed hope that the visit marks the beginning of more regular and results-oriented dialogue between the European Parliament and China.
The delegation included David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Engin Eroglu (Renew Europe, Germany), Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (EPP, Spain), Javi López (S&D, Spain), Lucia Annunziata (S&D, Italy), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE, Czechia), Adam Bielan (ECR, Poland), and Hilde Vautmans (Renew Europe, Belgium), AFET Standing Rapporteur on China.