Josep Borrell: Global Issues Cannot Be Solved Without China

Josep Borrell: The world’s problems cannot be solved without China

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, despite differences in relations with China, acknowledged and emphasized the role of this country in solving global and regional issues, stating that international challenges cannot be resolved without China.

Josep Borrell explained the current stance of the European Union towards China, which was confirmed by the European Council in 2020, and is based on three pillars: partner, adversary, and systemic rival. He added that since 2020, many events have occurred, and bilateral relations between the European Union and China have worsened in recent years due to increasing provocations, such as what he called China’s disproportionate response to the EU’s targeted restrictive measures, China’s trade actions against Lithuania, and China’s stance on the Ukraine war. Borrell added, however, that at the same time, we are committed to engagement and cooperation and recognize China’s crucial role in solving global and regional problems.