Borrell Urges China to Recognize EU as Influential Geopolitical Force

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The EU has called on China to recognize its standing as a geopolitical power rather than solely viewing its relationship with third powers, subtly referring to Beijing’s accusations that Brussels follows the US on security matters.

During his first visit to Beijing since the pandemic, the EU’s lead diplomat, Josep Borrell, also discussed the growing trade surplus between China and the EU, cautioning that it could result in European voters demanding “more aggressive protectionist measures.”

“The conflict in Ukraine has transformed us into a geopolitical power, not only an economic one,” said Borrell in a press briefing in Beijing at the end of the trip, where he met China’s foreign minister Wang Yi.

“And we wish to engage with China from this perspective: do not perceive the European Union’s relations solely through the lens of its relations with other countries.”

Borrell’s visit comes as Beijing aims to strengthen its ties with Europe to counter increasing rivalry with the US, which has implemented measures to restrict the sale of advanced technology to China.

However, Beijing is angered by Europe’s restrictions on the export of certain advanced semiconductor technology, a move that will impact China due to pressure from the US.

At a meeting of ambassadors from the bloc, Wu Hongbo, Beijing’s special representative on European affairs, stated last month that European countries and companies should have the autonomy to decide what to sell to China, rather than having that decision made by entities in the US.

“Europe takes China very, very seriously,” said Borrell, emphasizing the expectation of the same seriousness from Beijing.

Borrell argued that China’s trade surplus with Europe, which reached nearly €396bn last year, cannot be justified solely on grounds of productivity or greater competitive advantage. It likely stems from limited market access for European countries to the world’s second-largest economy.

In a speech at Peking University, Borrell expressed concern that the trade imbalance with China could become a significant issue with EU elections approaching next year.

“If the public perceives that the trade imbalance with China endangers vital sectors or jeopardizes our transition to climate neutrality, it will demand more drastic protectionist measures,” warned Borrell.

“Since our leaders are elected, they are naturally responsive to the desires of their voters.”

In addition, Borrell urged China to utilize its influence with Russia to persuade Moscow to rejoin the Black Sea grain deal with Ukraine in order to prevent another food crisis.

Russia withdrew from the agreement in July, citing Western sanctions that hindered parallel negotiations facilitating payments, insurance, and shipping for Moscow’s agricultural exports.