The delegation, comprising members of the European Parliament focused on market and consumer protection, began its visit as part of a broader attempt to re-engage with Beijing. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the trip as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and improve mutual understanding.

The visit comes at a time when relations between China and the European Union have been tested by multiple issues, including trade imbalances, Beijing's ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war, and tensions over export controls on rare earth materials.

China's decision last year to lift sanctions on several European Parliament members originally imposed during a dispute over human rights has helped pave the way for renewed engagement. The current visit reflects an effort on both sides to rebuild communication channels while managing underlying disagreements.

During their trip to Beijing and Shanghai, the EU lawmakers are expected to discuss challenges in digital trade and e-commerce, while also addressing concerns around fair competition. Meetings are scheduled with Chinese legislators, market regulators, and major e-commerce companies including Shein, Alibaba and Temu.

The timing is significant, coming shortly after the EU moved to overhaul its customs system, including stricter measures targeting overseas e-commerce platforms many of them Chinese that could face penalties for selling unsafe or non-compliant products within the bloc.

The visit to China coincides with a separate trip by another group of EU lawmakers to Taiwan, highlighting the complex balancing act in Europe's approach to the region.

The delegation to Taipei, led by European Parliament security committee chair Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who expressed appreciation for Europe's continued support. Taiwan has been expanding its outreach to European partners, despite Beijing's strong objections to official-level interactions.

While Taiwan maintains limited formal diplomatic ties in Europe, several countries have increasingly engaged with the island, allowing visits by senior or former officials moves that often draw criticism from China.

The parallel engagements underscore the EU's dual-track approach—seeking cooperation with China on trade and economic issues while maintaining political and strategic ties with Taiwan.

Although the visit to Beijing signals a willingness to stabilise relations, underlying tensions remain. Trade frictions, geopolitical differences and regulatory concerns continue to shape the trajectory of China-EU ties.

For now, the renewed legislative exchanges suggest a cautious step toward engagement, even as both sides navigate a complex and evolving relationship.

(with inputs from Reuters)