In his most elaborate analysis of EU-China relations to date, @JosepBorrellF said Xi’s China Dream “is the main difference from times past” foreseen by Deng Xiaoping. He describes today’s China as “assertive”, “expansionist” and “authoritarian”. politicaexterior.com/producto/la-do…
“Independence from two competitors / rivals does not mean equidistance. Our long common history and shared values with the US bring us closer to Washington than to Beijing. Cooperation with the US within NATO, for example, remains crucial for European defense.”
“The raison d'être of the EU is to defend, with the force of unity, European values and interests ... But I think we don't have to choose between protecting our economy or our core values. The data shows that, globally, we are not as dependent on China as many believe.”
Borrell cited statistics to counter what many believe was German dependency on the Chinese market. “Only 7% of German merchandise exports go to China ... In terms of added value, German exports to China represented 2.8% of the total value added of its exports in 2015.”
“Our relationship is excessively asymmetric for the current level of Chinese development ... If we don't [correct] it now, in a few years it will be too late. Chinese products will continue to move up the value chain and our economic and technological dependence will increase.”
In a desperate call to EU member states for action, Borrell proclaims: “We absolutely need to balance our economic relationship and put an end to some past naiveties.” A coincidental reference to the phrase’s creator on a day like this: 
