Top EU diplomat to visit China amid economic rivalry - Bloomberg
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (RBC-Ukraine, Vitaliy Nosach)
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell will head to Beijing next week to meet with Chinese officials. The trip comes as Europe seeks to find solutions for economic rivalry with China, as Bloomberg reports.
Borrell will arrive in Beijing on Monday to meet with Foreign Minister Qin Gang and other high-ranking officials, according to the EU Ambassador to Beijing, Jorge Toledo.
"Toledo told the World Peace Forum in Beijing on Sunday that Brussels would continue to raise “strategic issues” with China, including human rights practices and Russia’s war in Ukraine," media says. He added that both sides would continue the dialogue on economic and trade issues, likely in September, and could hold a leaders' summit at the end of the year.
“We want to engage with China in all issues, in our partnership, in our competition, and in our systemic rivalry,” Toledo said.
EU-China economic ties
Borrell's trip takes place at a time when Beijing is trying to push Europe to adopt a less strict stance than the United States, which has imposed a series of export control measures on China to restrict its access to advanced technologies. On Monday, Beijing escalated this dispute by imposing restrictions on the export of two metals crucial for semiconductors, telecommunications, and electric vehicle production.
Borrell's visit follows the trip of the EU's climate chief, Frans Timmermans, who is meeting with Chinese officials this week to discuss climate, biodiversity, and environmental protection issues.
Not a partner but a competitor
In May, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on the European Union to reduce its dependence on China. He accused the Beijing government of acting as a rival and competitor rather than a partner.
France is increasing pressure on the EU, demanding measures to counter China's advantages in export sectors such as electric vehicles.
