A spokesperson for the European Union announced on Tuesday that China has canceled the visit of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to Beijing next week. The spokesperson told Reuters, "Unfortunately, our Chinese counterparts informed us that the meetings scheduled for next week are no longer possible and that we must now look for alternatives." China did not provide reasons for canceling the visit, which comes at a time when Europe is seeking to reduce the risks associated with its close economic relationship with China.
The EU Ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, had indicated a visit by Borrell to Beijing on July 10 to meet with his Chinese counterpart and discuss "strategic issues," including human rights and the Russian war in Ukraine. During a global peace forum in Beijing on Sunday, Toledo mentioned that direct dialogues between China and Europe are likely to occur in September, one focusing on economy and trade, and the other on digital issues, ahead of a summit of leaders from both sides at the end of the year.
Toledo confirmed, "We want to engage with China, but we need to make progress, and we need that this year." This is the second time this year that a visit by Borrell has been canceled. He was unable to travel to China in April after testing positive for COVID-19.
