The High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, asked the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, that Beijing should stop supporting Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine and use its influence on Russia to stop Russian aggression.
This was discussed during the meeting of two high-ranking diplomats, which took place on Friday in Vientiane (Laos) on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Borrell’s press service reports.
“They discussed EU-China relations. The High Representative (HR) said that the EU and China need to recognize their respective concerns. This is, first of all, China’s support for Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, which negatively affects EU-China relations. The VP explained why the EU considers Russia’s war against Ukraine an existential threat to Europe. He expressed his concern that China’s export of a large number of dual-use goods and items is Russia’s support in building up its military equipment,” the message reads.
In this regard, Borrell asked the People’s Republic of China to use its influence on the Russian Federation to help end the war. “He asked China to support the peace process in Ukraine and expressed the opinion that the joint statement with Brazil from May 2024 does not go in this direction,” the press release details.
The parties also discussed another EU problem in the EU’s relations with China – the impact of economic policies and subsidies on production, which cause distortions in the EU market. “China must also address the root causes of our unbalanced trade relations by rebalancing its economy,” the statement said.
In addition, Borrell confirmed to Wang Yi that the EU’s position on Taiwan has not changed. “The EU pursues the “one China” policy, recognizing the government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government of China. We seek close cooperation with Taiwan in a wide range of industries without diplomatic recognition,” the press release emphasizes.
Touching on the problems of the Middle East, Borrell inquired about the results of the meeting of several Palestinian factions held in Beijing last week. “The High Representative believes that the divisions between Palestinian factions have harmed the Palestinian people and supports efforts to overcome these divisions. The VP emphasized that the EU is united in its support for the two-state solution,” Borrell’s press service noted.
