The European Union and China convened for the 13th Strategic Dialogue in Brussels on July 2, co-chaired by High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Kaja Kallas and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This meeting served as a preparatory step for an upcoming leaders’ summit scheduled for later this month. The discussions encompassed both bilateral matters and broader geopolitical issues.
HR/VP Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to constructive engagement with China in addressing global challenges. In terms of trade, she emphasised the necessity of identifying concrete solutions to rebalance the economic relationship, ensure fair competition, and enhance reciprocity in market access. Furthermore, she called upon China to consider eliminating its distortive practices, particularly those restrictions on rare earth exports, which pose significant risks to European enterprises and jeopardise the integrity of global supply chains.
Concerning Ukraine, the High Representative/Vice-President underscored the severe implications of support from Chinese companies for Russia’s unlawful military actions, which threaten European security. She urged China to cease all material support that bolsters Russia’s military-industrial complex and advocated for a full and unconditional ceasefire and a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, firmly rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The dialogue also addressed the situation in the Middle East, with both parties welcoming the current de-escalation between Israel and Iran. HR/VP Kallas indicated that she had urged Iran to resume negotiations concerning its nuclear programme promptly, and affirmed Europe’s readiness to facilitate those talks. There was mutual agreement on the significance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime, and Kallas reiterated the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in overseeing Iran’s nuclear activities.
Additionally, she emphasised the urgent requirement for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the provision of full, unimpeded humanitarian access to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
On the subject of Taiwan, the High Representative/Vice-President reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to its One China policy while expressing strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could alter the status quo through force or coercion.
Finally, HR/VP Kallas conveyed concerns regarding human rights issues in China, as well as the hybrid threats posed to Europe originating from China. Both sides expressed a desire to reconvene soon to continue their dialogues on matters of mutual interest.
