The European Union's foreign policy chief said Tuesday that there is no solution to global problems without China's participation.
Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Josep Borrell told lawmakers that Europe must not stop engaging with China, despite the challenges the communist state is posing to the West. He described China as a "rising" superpower, with increasing influence in global affairs.
"Its political weight is increasing and its attractiveness for many southern countries is undeniable. We should not refuse to cooperate with China in solving major global problems just because China is not a democracy," he added.
Borrell also said it is in the EU's interest to protect Taiwan, but it must do so "without adding fuel to the fire".
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