Security and Defence: the European Union and China hold their 13th consultations
On 22 February, the European Union and China held their 13th annual consultations on security and defence.
They exchanged assessments on regional security issues in Europe focusing on the Russian illegal war of aggression in Ukraine. The EU delivered the message that our solidarity and enduring support for Ukraine will not diminish as it was a matter of defending core international principles and European security.
The EU and China also exchanged views on the regional security issues in Indo-Pacific, including South China Sea and Taiwan. The EU underlined its concerns regarding increasing tensions in regional hotspots, and stressed its commitment to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite diverging views and different assessments on strategic and security issues, they both valued the candid exchanges that took place.
The consultations were co-chaired by Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Common Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service, on the European Union side and Major General Yao Qin, Deputy Chief of Office for International Military Cooperation on the Chinese side.
Background
To advance its interests and uphold its values, the European Union engages with China on a wide range of issues in accordance with the multi-faceted policy approach set out in the March 2019 Joint Communication of the European Commission and of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy “EU-China: A Strategic Outlook”. This includes talking about security and defence issues and addressing our differences, as China is an increasingly active global actor with growing military capabilities.