In a sign of improving relations between China and the United Kingdom, the Chinese government is considering lifting sanctions that it imposed on UK parliamentarians in 2021. These sanctions were introduced in response to what China described as “lies and disinformation” regarding its human rights record in Xinjiang, particularly regarding the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim community.
Background on the Sanctions and the Shift in China-UK Relations
The sanctions imposed in 2021 targeted nine UK citizens, including five Conservative MPs, two members of the House of Lords, and two prominent figures in human rights work related to the Uyghur issue. Among those sanctioned were former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, Tom Tugendhat, and Nusrat Ghani.
These sanctions banned the individuals from entering China, froze their property, and prohibited Chinese citizens and organizations from doing business with them.
In a statement, a Chinese embassy spokesperson said, “China has always attached importance to developing relations with the UK,” emphasizing that the two nations’ relationship is showing positive momentum.
The spokesperson also stressed that ongoing exchanges and dialogues at various levels would help deepen mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation between the two nations.
Recent High-Level Talks Between the UK and China
The potential reconsideration of the sanctions comes after a series of high-level visits from Chinese officials to the UK. In the past week, He Lifeng, China’s vice-premier, and Wang Wentao, its commerce minister, visited London for trade talks, where He met with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Wang with Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Liu Jianchao, a senior diplomat from China, also visited London and held talks with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell.
Although these visits were not publicized by the UK government, Liu’s presence raised concerns due to his role in China’s repression of Uyghur citizens, which sparked much of the controversy around the sanctions. During his visit, Liu also attended a meeting with British MPs where the issue of the sanctions was raised several times.
China’s Approach to Sanctions and the UK’s Position
In response to the European Union’s own sanctions on Chinese officials in 2021, China had earlier lifted sanctions on five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and on the European Parliament’s subcommittee on human rights in April 2025. This move was seen as part of Beijing’s efforts to improve its relations with the EU and revive trade talks.
In contrast, there is no immediate prospect of a UK-China trade deal, and UK officials remain firm in their position regarding human rights issues in Xinjiang. The UK government has made it clear that it will not lift its sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for the atrocities in the region.
Furthermore, the UK is currently reviewing China’s controversial proposal to build a super-embassy near the Tower of London, with a decision expected later this summer.
Future Prospects for UK-China Relations
Despite these challenges, UK officials are preparing for potential future visits to China. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is expected to visit Beijing later this year to revive key trade dialogues, and Labour leader Keir Starmer may follow suit in the autumn.
The UK Labour Party, which had previously taken a strong stance on the Xinjiang issue, has softened its position since coming into government and is focusing on building stronger economic ties with China.
In the midst of these developments, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair also met with Liu during his London visit. Blair, who has maintained informal advisory roles in both the UK and the US on foreign policy, is expected to travel to China later this year, further highlighting the importance of UK-China relations going forward.
The potential lifting of sanctions by China marks a significant development in the ongoing evolution of UK-China relations. While human rights concerns, particularly regarding Xinjiang, remain a key issue, the growing diplomatic exchanges and talks about economic cooperation indicate that both countries are working towards a more collaborative future.
How these discussions unfold will shape the broader geopolitical landscape, with the UK continuing to balance its stance on human rights with its pursuit of economic growth and strategic relationships in the region.
