China relationship will be determined by Beijing’s behaviour, EU policy chief says

Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy leader, spoke remotely at the start of the G7 foreign ministers’ conference in Japan on Sunday, emphasizing that China’s behavior, notably toward Taiwan, would decide China-Europe ties. The necessity for a united China policy and Taiwan issues will be discussed during the three-day meeting. Japan, the group’s only Asian member, is increasingly concerned about China’s expanding influence and the threat of military action against Taiwan.

Borrell called China a “partner, competitor and systemic rival,” emphasizing the need for open dialogue. He said the EU’s choice “will be determined by China’s behavior.” A senior U.S. State Department official said the ministers will discuss their “common and concerted” strategy to China.

French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent comments have revealed potential gaps between Europe and the United States on China, although European foreign policy authorities strongly encouraged Beijing not to use force over Taiwan. Borrell called China a “systemic rival,” but he stressed the significance of communicating with China.

The official said members may debate how to maintain a “common and concerted approach” to China. “Individually all the G7 members have deep economic relationships” with the world’s second-largest economy, the G7 has called for honest and constructive interaction with Beijing. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed G7 solidarity.

Japan fears Chinese military participation in Taiwan due to the Ukraine conflict. Japan uses the G7 to argue that security challenges go beyond the Ukraine war.