China urges EU to clarify strategic partnership stance

China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, has called on the European Union (EU) to "clarify" its position on its strategic partnership with Beijing, as EU leaders express the need for reduced dependence on China. The EU and China should strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and deepen cooperation, with Wang urging the EU not to waver or encourage back-pedaling. The EU has labeled China as an "economic competitor" and a "systemic rival" since 2019, and EU leaders have committed to lessening dependence on China. Wang also discussed Ukraine and the Taiwan Strait with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, with both sides expressing their expectations and concerns.