Borrell: The EU Takes China Seriously and Expects the Same

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, said on Saturday that his message to Chinese officials during his visit to Beijing was that Brussels takes China seriously and expects the same in return regarding geopolitical issues and trade. Borrell added during a press conference concluding his three-day visit, which had been postponed twice before: "Cooperation is very important." He continued, "Europe takes China seriously. We also expect not to be viewed through the lens of our relationships with others, but as individuals." Borrell stated, "Since the war in Ukraine, Europe has become a geopolitical power, and we want to speak to China in this framework." He mentioned that he discussed the crisis in Israel and Gaza with Chinese officials and announced that Enrique Mora, the head of his office, will visit Beijing in a few days to continue the dialogue with Chinese officials on geopolitical issues. Borrell met yesterday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who described the talks as "comprehensive, candid, and friendly."