Chinese FM confirms restriction removal on former EU lawmaker Reinhard Buetikofer

Commenting on South China Morning Post's report that China has removed "restrictions" on Reinhard Buetikofer, the former EU lawmaker it sanctioned in 2021, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that in recent years, exchanges between the legislative bodies of China and Europe have encountered some setbacks due to well-known reasons. In the current situation, both sides believe it is very important to strengthen dialogue and cooperation.

Lin said that after mutual consultation, China and the European Parliament have decided to simultaneously and comprehensively lift the restrictions on mutual exchanges.

According to South China Morning Post, the move is expected to galvanise a new round of engagement, with an official meeting of the National People's Congress and the China delegation of the European Parliament penciled in for Brussels in October. This would be the first official meeting between the sides since 2018.

 "We believe and look forward to the deepening of communication and understanding as China and Europe fully restore exchanges between their legislative bodies, which will inject new momentum into the sustained, healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations," Lin said.