China Warns EU Against ‘Confrontation’ as Tensions Rise Over Security and Ukraine

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has warned the European Union against pursuing “confrontation,” after EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Beijing for actions she said threaten Europe’s security.

During a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, Wang told Kallas that China and the EU “should not be regarded as opponents because of differences, nor should they seek confrontation because of disagreements,” according to a statement released by China’s foreign ministry on Thursday.

Acknowledging Europe’s many challenges, Wang emphasized that “none were caused by China — in the past, present, or future.” His remarks came in response to pointed criticism from Kallas, who described the EU-China relationship as increasingly strained on security issues.

“China is not our adversary, but its actions are putting pressure on our security,” Kallas said ahead of the meeting. She accused Chinese companies of propping up Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine, and alleged Beijing’s involvement in cyberattacks, election interference, and unfair trade practices that threaten European jobs and stability.

China has maintained that it is a neutral party in Russia’s war in Ukraine, now entering its fourth year. However, Western governments argue that Beijing has offered Russia crucial diplomatic and economic lifelines.

“Enabling war in Europe while seeking closer ties with Europe is a contradiction Beijing must address,” Kallas said.

Wang pushed back by positioning China as a counterbalance to the United States, which has threatened punitive tariffs on European imports. “China is not the United States,” Wang said. “The path taken by the U.S. should not be used as a reflection of China.”

The two sides also discussed the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the Iran nuclear issue, and broader global challenges. Wang urged the EU to pursue a “pragmatic” and “respectful” policy toward China and reiterated Beijing’s commitment to multilateralism and free trade during meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot.

Wang’s European tour continues in Germany, where he is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for talks on diplomacy and security, before traveling to France for discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

The visits come just weeks ahead of a key summit in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and top EU leaders, as both sides grapple with rising tensions and growing strategic distrust.