Reuters – The European Union needs to engage with China despite many differences instead of opting for a more isolationist approach, Germany said on Wednesday.
“In the EU, we have been describing China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time,” German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said ahead of a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
“In all these three dimensions we need strong, sustainable communication channels with Beijing. De-coupling is the wrong way to go.”
Berlin’s warning against de-coupling is in line with Beijing’s long-held position against disengagement among nations, including with China, despite mutual differences.
Last month, China was hit by a round of coordinated sanctions from the United States, European Union, Britain and Canada over reports of forced labour in the far western Chinese region of Xinjiang, accusations that Beijing rejects.
Ties between China and Germany have generally remained stable since last year, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said later in his meeting with Maas.
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