Brussels: China lifted sanctions on five EU lawmakers, according to a statement Wednesday. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed that parliamentary committees "must be able to discuss European interests with their Chinese counterparts without fear of repercussions."

According to Anadolu Agency, the sanctions were originally imposed in March 2021. This decision followed EU sanctions on a Chinese entity and individuals accused of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The lawmakers who were sanctioned include Raphael Glucksmann from France, Miriam Lexmann from Slovakia, Michael Gahler from Germany, and Ilhan Kyuchyuk from Bulgaria. A fifth lawmaker from Germany, Reinhard Buetikofer, retired last year, while the others remained in office. Sanctions on the EU parliament's subcommittee on human rights were also lifted.

"The exchange between Chinese and European legislative bodies is an integral part of China-EU relations. We hope that the two sides can work together in the same direction and enhance exchanges. Members of the European Parliament are welcome to visit China," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun.

European Parliament President Metsola emphasized that the relationship with China remains "complex and multi-faceted" and that the best approach is through engagement and dialogue. The lifting of the sanctions is seen as a step towards fostering better communication and cooperation between the EU and China.