China has lifted sanctions against German Green politician Reinhard Bütikofer, DPA reported, citing European Union representatives, BTA reported.
This happened ahead of the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing next week. The move is part of Beijing's broader efforts to resume dialogue with the European Parliament, DPA notes.
China imposed sanctions on Bütikofer four years ago in response to measures taken by the EU over alleged human rights violations in the Xinjiang autonomous region.
Bütikofer, who until last year headed the European Parliament's delegation to China, confirmed to DPA that he and his family were no longer subject to sanctions.
The German politician was specifically banned from entering China and doing business there.
However, Chinese sanctions against several EU-based organizations remain in force, DPA notes. Bütikofer criticized Beijing's approach, which he said was arbitrary and politically inconsistent.