- Worsening tensions between the European Union and China could jeopardize an investment deal that the two sides recently negotiated.
- The EU imposed sanctions against China for human rights abuses in Xinjiang — Beijing swiftly retaliated with a blacklist of its own.
- Beijing's response in turn prompted warnings from several members of the European Parliament that they would not ratify the EU-China investment deal that was agreed to in December.
Flags of the European Union (left) and China.Nelson Ching | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Worsening tensions between the European Union and China could jeopardize an investment deal that the two sides recently negotiated.
The EU on Monday imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity for human rights abuses in China's northwestern Xinjiang region. The move was part of a coordinated action against Beijing by the U.S. and its allies including the U.K. and Canada.
China swiftly retaliated against the EU, announcing its own blacklist of 10 individuals — including European lawmakers — and four entities.
Beijing's response in turn prompted warnings from several members of the European Parliament or MEPs, saying they would not ratify the EU-China investment deal that was agreed to in December.
