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The European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to freeze a massive investment deal with China that had taken seven years to negotiate. The Guardian reported that the resolution suspended “any consideration of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), as well as any discussion on ratification” until China lifted sanctions on European Union officials, including members of the European Parliament, as well as European diplomats and scholars.
Beijing imposed those sanctions in retaliation for EU sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for the repression of Muslim Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang province. The measure suspending the investment deal was passed Thursday with 599 votes in favor, 30 votes against and 58 abstentions.