European Union High Representative Josep Borrell Tuesday stressed that although the EU and China are in rival mode the EU needs to keep talking to China. “We cannot speak with one voice as there are multiple voices within the EU, but at least we need to be on the same wavelength, “he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg during a debate on China. Recalling that EU relations with China have worsened recently due to EU sanctions and Chinese military exercises in the Strait of Taiwan, he said that due to its massive influence in the world, “we cannot stop talking to it because it is not a democracy.” “China is not Russia; it is a superpower that is growing, especially in the global south. When it comes to China, there are four areas of particular interest: EU values, economic security, Taiwan and Ukraine,” he concluded. On her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the same debate said that China’s rise as an international political and economic actor, as well as the EU’s own interests, make it all the more important for Europe to manage its relationship with Beijing. Europe must carve out its own, distinct approach that leaves space for cooperation with other partners too, she said. “And the starting point for this is the need to have a shared and very clear-eyed picture of the risks and the opportunities in our engagement with China,” she added. Europe must carve out its own, distinct approach that leaves space for cooperation with other partners too, she said. “And the starting point for this is the need to have a shared and very clear-eyed picture of the risks and the opportunities in our engagement with China,” she added. Members of the European Parliament during their intervention were united in their call for an effective, consistent and unified EU strategy on China. Some MEPs criticized the recent statement by French President Macron on Taiwan, deeming it naive to say Taiwan does not concern Europe. They also pointed out that the delivery of arms to Russia and changing the status quo on Taiwan are not acceptable for the EU, said an EP press release. European foreign policy officials on Friday urged China not to use force over Taiwan, taking a tough stance against Beijing’s threats over the democratically governed island, after comments by Macron were perceived as weak. China in recent days has held intense military drills around Taiwan, which it claims as its own, and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, addressing the issue at a press conference in Beijing alongside her Chinese counterpart Qin Gang, said any attempt by China to control Taiwan would be unacceptable and would have serious repercussions for Europe. “A military escalation in the Taiwan Strait, through which ... 50% of world trade goes every day, would be a horror scenario for the entire world,” said Baerbock, adding it would have “inevitable repercussions” for European interests. by an “American rhythm and a Chinese overreaction”. While many of the remarks were not new, the timing of their publication, and their bluntness, annoyed many Western officials. — Agencies