Scholz urges EU to to reduce its reliance on China

This was reported by Bloomberg.

Olaf Scholz accused the Beijing government of acting not as an EU partner but as a competitor and rival.

Scholz told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Europe Day that the reformed and enlarged bloc must act collectively on issues such as relations with China if it is to take a leading role in the world.

"Our relationship with China is aptly described by the triad ‘partner, competitor, systemic rival’ - although without a doubt rivalry and competition on China’s part have increased," Scholz said.

"The EU is aware of this development and is reacting accordingly," he added.

• On May 2, China voted for the first time in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution naming Russia as an aggressor. Previously, China had voted against or abstained from such votes.

• On May 3, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley emphasized that it is in the interests of the US that China and Russia do not form a military alliance.

• On May 8, the Financial Times reported that the EU may impose sanctions on several Chinese companies for supplying electronics to Russia.