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The\u00a0European Union\u2019s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, arrived in Shanghai on Thursday, desperately urging Chinese officials to view the EU as a significant global player.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the South China Morning Post before his departure, Borrell expressed his frustration, imploring China to stop undermining Europe’s independent stance on international relations.<\/p>\n
He said: “My first objective is to reaffirm to my Chinese interlocutors that Europe takes China seriously and has no hidden agenda aiming at derailing its rise.<\/p>\n
“At the same time, we expect from China to take us more seriously and stop looking at us through the lens of its relations with others.<\/p>\n
“Our assessment and conduct is driven by our own interests.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> China sends fighter jet to threaten US Navy in chilling Taiwan Strait clash<\/strong><\/p>\n Borrell’s visit comes amid growing tensions between the EU and China, exacerbated by Beijing’s reluctance to accept the EU’s evolving geopolitical role.<\/p>\n He urged China to shed the perception that the EU is merely a pawn in the US-China rivalry.<\/p>\n The EU’s frustration stems from China’s portrayal of the bloc as a mere extension of US interests in international affairs.<\/p>\n