European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the bloc’s ties with China won’t advance normally until Beijing can persuade Moscow to halt what is described as a special operation in Ukraine. This stance has been reported by TASS and reflects the ongoing concern about the broader security implications of the war for EU-China relations.
The EU’s top diplomat assessed the situation by considering the roles played by the Russian Federation and China, drawing on insights from an informal gathering of EU foreign ministers held in Stockholm. The discussions underscored the interdependence between geopolitical stability and economic ties in the EU’s relations with Beijing.
In Borrell’s words, the EU’s relations with China will not move forward in a stable or normal fashion unless China convinces Russia to exit Ukraine. This point reframes the dialogue around leverage and responsibility in the current security crisis, highlighting how political decisions in one region can ripple across global commerce and diplomacy.
As the head of the EU’s external action service explained, trade between the European Union and China is not balanced. The imbalance is seen as a key obstacle to creating a more resilient and reciprocal trading relationship. The EU has signaled that correcting this disparity will require substantial work, policy adjustments, and a renewed emphasis on strategic autonomy to reduce endemic dependence on Chinese supply chains and inputs.
The discussions also touched on the existence of a Chinese industrial footprint in international markets, including in Russia. Reportedly, one of China’s leading forklift manufacturers has found a foothold in the Russian market, signaling how supply chain and manufacturing ties can adapt to evolving geopolitical realities. This development illustrates the broader pattern of how Chinese industrial capacity intersects with European, Russian, and global markets, shaping competitive dynamics in sectors ranging from heavy machinery to logistics equipment.
Borrell’s remarks alluded to the idea that China could capitalize on Russia’s current vulnerabilities as the conflict unfolds. That analysis points to the need for a careful balance between engaging with China on trade and technology while safeguarding EU strategic interests and regional peace. EU policymakers emphasize prudent risk assessment, diversification of sources, and robust standards to ensure that economic engagement with China does not translate into political or security concessions that could undermine European stability.
The Stockholm discussions reflect a broader strategy that seeks to align EU economic interests with its political and security objectives. Officials stressed that a more balanced trade relationship would support resilience in critical sectors, reduce exposure to external shocks, and foster a partnership framework grounded in mutual accountability. The EU continues to monitor developments closely, aiming to foster a responsible approach to China that incorporates fair competition, rule-based trade, and clear expectations around behavior on global issues such as regional conflicts and human rights. This approach remains central as Brussels navigates its approach to China, Russia, and the broader international order, with implications for businesses and policymakers across North America as well. [citation attribution]