EU-China Relations On Hold as Visit Cancelled
The European Union’s (EU) foreign affairs minister, Josep Borrell, was due to visit Beijing next week for talks on trade, human rights and the war in Ukraine, but China has reportedly cancelled the visit without giving a reason. This comes after last week’s EU summit, in which the bloc endorsed a proposal to source key materials from places other than China. The EU’s ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, said Borrell and Chinese diplomats were expected to hold two in-person dialogues in September, one on the economy and trade and another on digital matters, before a summit.
The European Union’s (EU) foreign affairs minister, Josep Borrell, was due to visit Beijing next week for talks on trade, human rights and the war in Ukraine, but China has reportedly cancelled the visit without giving a reason. This comes after last week’s EU summit, in which the bloc endorsed a proposal to source key materials from places other than China. The EU’s ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, said Borrell and Chinese diplomats were expected to hold two in-person dialogues in September, one on the economy and trade and another on digital matters, before a summit.
China has reportedly canceled a visit to Beijing by EU foreign policy chief Borrell. The common reason, most likely, is that Beijing does not see the point in this visit - especially after negotiations with the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
— Marco (@MarcoTerranov19) July 5, 2023
However, the visit was cancelled with EU spokesperson Nabila Massrali saying: “Unfortunately, we were informed by the Chinese counterparts that the envisaged dates next week are no longer possible and we must now look for alternatives.” China's foreign ministry said Beijing attaches “high importance to Sino-European relations and has maintained exchanges with Europe at all levels and in various aspects”. Spokesperson Wang Wenbing said at a news briefing in Beijing that Borrell would be welcomed “as soon as possible at the convenience of both sides”. This is the second time Borrell was supposed to visit Beijing this year. His trip was delayed in April after he tested positive for COVID-19. A speech prepared for Borrell for his April visit said the EU could trust China only if it also seeks peace in Ukraine.
China cancels visit by EU’s top diplomat.
— Alan (@Alan39982121) July 4, 2023
Beijing has not offered any explanation for the move.
China has cancelled a planned visit by the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, a spokesperson for the bloc announced on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/GUXM2G5Onf
China has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the war and published a 12-point peace plan, which was met with lukewarm responses from both Russia and Ukraine. The cancellation of Borrell's visit shows that in spite of the EU's desire to engage with China, there is still a lack of progress in the relationship. With the cancellation of Borrell's visit, the EU and China will need to look for alternative ways to continue negotiations in order to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
