Opponent, partner and competitor: EU agrees on updated China strategy 

This was announced at a press conference following the meeting by EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell, according to European Pravda.

Borrell informed reporters that after a comprehensive discussion, the document presented by their team was well-received by their colleagues, indicating a shared agreement on China.

According to the European official, the document "reflects the reality" in relations between Beijing and Brussels.

According to his explanation, China is simultaneously an opponent, a partner, and a rival, and the crucial factor is "engagement." Therefore, the EU must interact with China on various fronts and address numerous concerns. However, it also needs to compete with China and lessen its reliance when it reaches excessive levels and poses hazards.

The EU's top diplomat noted that the text of the document is still being finalized, but it generally concerns the EU's economic, political, and security cooperation with China.

In the draft document, the EU foreign policy department calls on the 27 member states to take advantage of the "window of opportunity" to reduce the risk of China's growing influence on economic and security issues.

The document also states that communication between Brussels and Beijing will help reduce risks and overdependence on China by ensuring "predictability and transparency in our economic and trade relations."

In recent weeks, European leaders have intensified contacts with China in an effort to engage it as a mediator in resolving the war in Ukraine. At the same time, Brussels is reportedly preparing to impose sanctions on Chinese companies that help Russia evade restrictions.

• The German and French foreign ministers demand that China make a decision on the war in Ukraine and influence Russia.

• Josep Borrell previously said that Beijing remains an important partner of Brussels, but has already lost the opportunity to mediate in the war unleashed by Russia due to its "pro-Russian neutrality." He also believes that China will take advantage of the geopolitical benefits of Russia's defeat in the war against Ukraine.