EU High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 26 July in Vientiane, Laos, during the ASEAN Regional Forum. They discussed EU-China relations.
The HR/VP emphasised the need for the EU and China to address each other’s concerns. Specifically, he raised concerns about China’s support for Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is hurting EU-China relations.
The HR/VP explained why the European Union sees Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a threat to Europe’s existence. He expressed concern about China’s export of dual-use goods and items supporting Russia’s military build-up. The HR/VP urged China to use its influence on Russia to help end the war and to support the peace process in Ukraine. He also noted that the joint statement with Brazil in May 2024 does not align with these goals.
The EU has concerns regarding China’s economic policies and production subsidies, which impact the EU market. The EU wants China to address the trade imbalance by rebalancing its economy.
The EU maintains a “One China” policy regarding Taiwan, recognising the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government. However, the EU cooperates with Taiwan in various areas without granting it diplomatic recognition.
In the Middle East, the High Representative inquired about the recent meeting of Palestinian factions in Beijing. The EU supports efforts to overcome divisions among Palestinian factions and remains committed to the two-state solution.
