China will take advantage of Russia's defeat in war – Borrell

The Financial Times reported the information, citing Borrell's private letter to EU foreign ministers.

In the document, to which the media has gained access, Borrell called on EU member states to find a coherent strategy towards China that meets both Beijing's growing nationalism and the growing competition between the United States and China.

Borrell stated that the complexity of the Chinese issue surpasses that of the Russian issue. China's aspirations are evidently focused on establishing a new global order centered around itself. Despite Russia's setback in Ukraine, it will not impede China's path. In fact, China stands to gain a geopolitical advantage from this situation, according to Borrell.

In the letter, Borrell also emphasized the bloc's readiness to "engage seriously" with Beijing over the war in Ukraine, despite its rhetorical support for Moscow. He said that the EU welcomes all sincere positive steps from China aimed at finding a solution.

• The EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, believes that Beijing remains an important partner of Brussels, but has lost the opportunity to mediate in the war unleashed by Russia.