Politics

EU’s Borrell to discuss China’s NATO concerns with Wang Yi during Asean meeting

Jakarta, July 13 (EFE).- The European Union’s (EU) top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Thursday that he would address China’s concerns regarding NATO expansion in a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Jakarta.

Borrell is currently in the Indonesian capital to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its partner countries.

On Friday, Borrell will meet with Wang Yi, the head of Chinese diplomacy.

The EU leader referred to China’s criticism of the NATO leaders’ summit held this week in Vilnius, where guest countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand participated.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, China strongly opposed NATO’s “eastward movement into the Asia-Pacific region” and warned that any action threatening Beijing would be met with a resolute response.

Borrell emphasized the importance of establishing positive relations with China that will allow the Asian giant to actively contribute to global problem-solving.

“The European Union does not oppose China’s rise. Nobody wants to hinder China from assuming the role commensurate with its size and capacity,” said Borrell.

The EU high representative also addressed the controversy surrounding Malaysia and Indonesia, both of which have criticized the new EU regulation against deforestation due to its adverse impact on small producers.

“We will undoubtedly seek practical solutions,” said Borrell, emphasizing that the regulation’s implementation would consider the socioeconomic situation of the producers.

On Friday, Indonesia will host the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Foreign Affairs meeting, which will be attended by representatives from the Asean and the US, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia.

Founded in 1967, ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar.

The bloc has established a roadmap for the inclusion of East Timor. EFE

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