Josep Borrell is set to travel to China to explore the evolving dynamic between the two powers and to reopen direct lines of communication with Beijing. The trip comes amid tensions tied to a growing trade deficit and rising protectionist measures that prompt European policymakers to reassess how best to engage with the Asian giant.
Sources close to the EU’s top diplomat say this visit marks the first trip by the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy to China. The mission is planned for mid-October and aims to strengthen dialogue at the highest levels while seeking practical ways to balance interests on both sides.
Borrell expressed a cautious optimism about the journey, noting that the coronavirus pandemic had interrupted earlier plans. He told reporters gathered near the Strasbourg venue for a major debate that the trip would be lengthy and productive, with the aim of meeting the key centers of thought and decision making in China. He stressed that the purpose goes beyond a single meeting in Beijing and should lay groundwork for the upcoming European Council gathering.
He warned that the world is entering a new era, one where go-it-alone approaches and confrontational policies are more visible, and where the traditional idea of peaceful trade and negotiation is tested. The EU has raised the need to recalibrate its stance toward China, arguing that risk reduction must go hand in hand with continued engagement rather than decoupling. He noted that the risk mitigation framework is sensible and often reflected by Chinese actions as well.
He recalled a moment from the early days of the pandemic when even a small supply item like a gram of paracetamol highlighted how health security is intertwined with economic policy. The message was clear: security considerations remain central in commercial relations for all parties involved.
Von der Leyen’s warnings
European Union officials have confirmed that the bloc will not withdraw from the Chinese economy, but will pursue a strategy that lowers exposure to potential risks in trade with the Asian giant. Brussels has announced an investigation into the role of subsidies in China’s electric vehicle sector. The president of the European Commission emphasized that this sector is vital for a cleaner economy and holds substantial promise for Europe, yet world markets are flooded with cheaper Chinese electric cars because of substantial public subsidies that distort prices, she argued Sunday. The remarks were part of a broader address on the state of the union.
The Commission leader outlined plans to bolster Europe’s green industries. The EU views certain trade practices as unfair and points to impacts on Europe’s solar industry and other innovative sectors, where a number of smaller European firms have faced serious competitive pressure from Chinese rivals. Brussels pledged to respond decisively. A comprehensive agenda was laid out, covering wind energy, steel, batteries, and electric cars, with the clear objective that renewable and energy-intensive technologies for Europe’s future should be produced within the union.
In this context, the EU continues to map out a strategy that balances open trade with robust safeguards. It seeks reliable supply chains, fair competition, and strong domestic capabilities so that Europe can maintain leadership in the green transition while fostering stable, constructive ties with China. The overarching aim is to preserve market access and ensure a level playing field as global markets evolve and new technologies reshape the industry landscape.
Analysts suggest that the next steps will involve ongoing dialogue at both political and technical levels, a focus on enforcement of trade rules, and close coordination with partners across North America and Asia. The dialogue, officials say, should be pragmatic and sustained, targeting concrete outcomes that support both growth and resilience in Europe’s economy while managing the broader relationship with China.
This approach reflects a broader trend among Western economies to engage China where possible, invest in domestic capabilities, and implement safeguards where needed. The aim is a balanced framework that preserves the benefits of open markets while addressing improper practices that could distort competition and undercut innovation across the continent.