The aim of the working lunch held by the European foreign affairs ministers on Monday 23 June in Brussels, as part of their Sectoral Council (FAC), was to lay the foundations for the discussions that will take place ahead of the EU-China Summit just before the summer break. A strategic dialogue is already scheduled for 2 July.
This first ministerial exchange, which took place in camera, was not the main focus of this EU Council, in a geopolitical context marked by the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel in the Middle East, and the recent US strikes in Iran (see other news).
On her arrival at the EU Council, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, pointed out that these initial discussions were focusing primarily on security challenges, at a time when many countries have criticised China’s support for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, particularly through the export of dual-use goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Later, at a press conference, Ms Kallas pointed out that Beijing was one of the EU’s main trading partners, but that “any relationship requires a dose of realism”.
“NATO has declared China to be the main supporter of Russia’s war against Ukraine. It carries out cyber attacks. It interferes with our democracies. It uses coercive commercial practices. These aspects are weighing on our relations and making it increasingly difficult to continue as before”, she continued. This statement comes just days after the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, spoke out against Beijing on trade issues (see EUROPE 13661/3).
Ms Kallas’ position is shared by the Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, who told the press that he regretted that China was allowing Russia to wage this war on the economic front, and called for firmness.
“We must send a very direct and strong message to China to stop supporting Russia in this war”, he said.
The Slovenian Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, also mentioned China’s worrying attitude to hybrid cyber attacks and respect for human rights, but advocated adopting a “pragmatic” approach, particularly with regard to economic cooperation.
“After all, China is an extremely important partner when it comes to tackling global challenges, and one with which we must engage in dialogue”, she said.
This dialogue should therefore be pursued in greater depth at the bilateral summit to be held in Beijing, although the two parties will not be adopting a joint declaration or sealing any concrete agreements at the end of the summit. (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)