The European Union (EU) is increasing diplomatic pressure on China over the conflict in Ukraine and trade policy, in preparation for a summit between the two sides' leaders.
According to the announcement from the EU diplomatic agency, Senior Representative in charge of foreign policy Kaja Kallas met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels. During the meeting, Kallas called on China to end " market distortation", including limiting exports of rare earths - an essential resource for many European industries.
The EU believes that these restrictions seriously threaten businesses in the bloc and cause instability for the global supply chain. Ms. Kallas also asked the two sides to find specific solutions to rebalance economic relations, ensure an equal playground and improve market access.
In the security sector, Kallas highlighted the serious threat of Chinese companies providing material support to Russia in the conflict in Ukraine. Although Beijing insists it will not provide military aid to Russia, European officials say many key components of Russian drones and weapons are being manufactured by Chinese enterprises.
Kallas called on Beijing to immediately end all material assistance to the Russian defense industry, and urged China to support a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire, along with a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The dialogue between the two sides also discussed Iran's nuclear program. Although the EU did not specify the results of the discussion, the two sides agreed on the importance of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is considered the foundation for the global nuclear dissemination mechanism. Previously, EU officials said they would take advantage of the meeting to call on China - Iran's key oil partner - to put pressure on Tehran to reach a nuclear deal and reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Foreign Minister Vuong Nghi also met with President of the European Council Antonio Costa in preparation for the EU-China summit scheduled to take place on July 24-25 in China. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Vuong called on the two sides to respect each other's core interests, enhance mutual understanding and opposed "unilateralism and bullying" that harms international order.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mr. Antonio Costa are expected to visit China to attend the conference with General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
