[By Observer News Network, Liu Chenghui] According to the Hong Kong English media South China Morning Post, on June 23 local time, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, spoke at a press conference about Sino-European relations. She said that China is one of the largest trading partners of the EU and has cooperation in areas such as climate change, but then shifted her tone, urging the EU to maintain 'realism' in its engagement with China, and bringing up old topics such as 'Chinese support for Russia' and 'cyber attacks'.

The report said that Kallas made these remarks after the meeting of EU foreign ministers on the same day, which aimed to set the tone for the Sino-European foreign ministers and leaders' summit to be held in July. The meeting also tried to unify positions on issues such as the US campaign against Iran, the situation in Gaza, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Kallas told reporters: "Clearly, China is one of our largest trading partners, and we have cooperation on issues such as climate change, but every relationship needs a dose of realism."

This EU leader once again repeated old claims, asserting that "China is a key supporter of the Ukraine-Russia conflict," and accused China of "carrying out cyber attacks," "interfering in democratic processes," and "coercive trade," claiming that these factors have led to tension in bilateral relations, making it increasingly difficult to continue as before.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, EFE

Notably, this is not the first time Kallas has made similar remarks. In January, she stated, "The United States is most concerned about China. But the fact is, if we cannot properly handle our relationship with Russia, we will also not be able to deal with China correctly. China is closely watching how the Atlantic community responds to the Ukraine-Russia conflict."

In March, Kallas again tried to use the 'China card' to please the Trump administration. During an interview with the media, she said, "There are no winners in a trade war." She claimed that the US and Europe fighting among themselves allows China to 'laugh from the sidelines,' and a trade war between the US and Europe would benefit China.

Regarding Sino-European relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiajun once pointed out that currently, the changes of the century are accelerating, the international situation is complex and unstable, and the world faces risks of bloc politics, fragmentation, and disorder. China and Europe are two major forces driving multipolarity, two major markets supporting globalization, and two major civilizations advocating diversity. The Sino-European relationship has strategic significance and global impact.

The report said that this foreign ministers' meeting also discussed the issue of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as it is a vital route for 20% of the world's oil and gas, which has a significant impact on trade between the EU and China. Previously, the Iranian parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to American attacks.

Kallas said that the EU not only engages in dialogue with the United States, but also communicates with all regional countries. "Everyone is paying attention to the same thing, that is, the spillover effects of this situation on the security situation in the Middle East, as well as the issue of retaliation."

"We are also sending a clear message to Iran: the escalation of this war does not benefit anyone. We are worried about the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, because it will have a huge impact on global trade," she added.

The South China Morning Post noted that although the EU's influence in the Middle East crisis is limited, and due to the US conducting airstrikes on Iranian targets without consulting European allies, the EU seems to be marginalized in the Middle East. However, the Middle East issue will remain a focus of discussion at this week's European Council and the upcoming NATO summit.

The report also mentioned that given the widespread accusations from Global South countries against the EU for adopting double standards on the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Israel-Palestine conflict, the EU's statements will be scrutinized.

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