A delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) is visiting Beijing and Shanghai from 21 to 23 July for a series of high-level meetings with Chinese authorities aimed at discussing key political, economic and strategic issues affecting relations between the European Union and China.
The eight-member delegation is led by David McAllister, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and is taking place against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty and increasing economic and trade tensions.
According to the European Parliament, discussions will focus on the evolving EU-China relationship, with particular attention given to economic imbalances, Russia’s war against Ukraine, the human rights situation in China, and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The delegation will also exchange views on areas of common interest, including multilateral cooperation, international public health and climate diplomacy.
During the visit, Members of the European Parliament will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, representatives of the National People’s Congress, its Foreign Affairs Committee, and the International Department of the Communist Party of China. Meetings are also planned with EU diplomatic missions in Beijing and researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
In Shanghai, the delegation will hold talks with municipal authorities and representatives of local technology companies, focusing on technology, digital sovereignty, competition and the global governance of artificial intelligence.
The delegation includes David McAllister (Germany, EPP), Engin Eroglu (Germany, Renew Europe), Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (Spain, EPP), Javi López (Spain, S&D), Lucia Annunziata (Italy, S&D), Jaroslav Bžoch (Czechia, Patriots for Europe), Adam Bielan (Poland, ECR) and Hilde Vautmans (Belgium, Renew Europe).
The European Parliament described the visit as one of the most significant foreign policy engagements undertaken by the Committee during its current parliamentary term.
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