The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it would be glad to receive the head of the EU External Action Service, Josep Borrel, in Beijing at a convenient time for both sides, but did not explain the reasons for cancelling the diplomat’s planned visit to Beijing, reports CNA. According to the channel, this is the second time this year Borrell’s visit to Beijing has been canceled.
China said it would welcome the visit of EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel at the earliest convenient time. The statement came amid information from the bloc that Beijing had cancelled Mr. Borrell’s visit, scheduled for next week, without explanation.
WANG WENBIN, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman: China highly values China-EU relations and maintains contacts with the European side at all levels and in all areas. We will welcome the visit of EU High Representative Borrell to China at the earliest convenient time for both sides. We are ready to maintain a dialogue with the EU on this issue.
Nevertheless, the Chinese Foreign Ministry refused to explain why the planned visit of the head of European diplomacy to China was cancelled. Mr. Borrell was scheduled to visit Beijing next Monday for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart. On the agenda was a discussion of strategically important issues, including human rights and the Russian special operation in Ukraine.
His visit was canceled for the second time this year. It comes amid Europe’s desire to reduce the risks associated with its close economic ties with China, which Brussels has called an “economic competitor and systemic rival.”
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