Josep Borrell, head of European diplomacy, was to go to China on July 10. His visit was canceled by Beijing without further details.
“Unfortunately, we have been informed by our Chinese counterparts that the dates envisaged for next week are no longer possible and that we must now seek alternatives,” spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told Reuters on Tuesday (July 4th) in a statement.
No reason was given to explain this cancellation, which comes as Europe seeks to reduce the dependence of the Twenty-Seven on China, described by Brussels as “economic competitor and systemic rival”.
“We Need Progress
Josep Borrell was due to travel to Beijing on July 10 to meet his Chinese counterpart and discuss “strategic issues”, including human rights and the war in Ukraine, the EU ambassador to China said on Sunday. Jorge Toledo.
He added, at the World Peace Forum in Beijing, that China and Europe were likely to hold two in-person talks in September, one on economy and trade and the other on digital issues. , ahead of a leaders’ summit at the end of the year.
We want to engage with China, but we need progress and we need it this year,” said Jorge Toledo.
This is the second time this year that Josep Borrell’s trip to China has been cancelled. He had been unable to come in April after testing positive for COVID-19.
This article is originally published on lindependant.fr
