Amid growing tensions between the United States and Europe, a group of European Union lawmakers is visiting China. The visit is the first of its kind in 8 years.
The trip signals a re-engagement between Beijing and Brussels. Their relations have been strained by the bloc’s over 300 billion dollar trade deficit with China, Beijing’s support for Russia amid its war on Ukraine, and China’s rare earth export restrictions.
Last year, China lifted sanctions on several members of the European Parliament. That’s as Beijing tried to rebuild ties with Europe amid pressure from U.S. tariffs.
The EU delegation visiting China oversees the bloc’s market and consumer protection. One of its top priorities is to address the surge in cheap packages from China. European businesses think it’s unfair competition, as these small parcels don’t have to pay tariffs.