Storm clouds gather as EU-China mark 45 years of diplomatic ties

THE European Union (EU) and China mark 45 years of diplomatic relations this week, with 2020 previously intended to significantly deepen bilateral relations sealed at an upcoming key summit in September. Yet, bilateral ties have been jolted by the novel coronavirus crisis leading to what has become a significant spike in tensions.

The chill in ties was evidenced on Sunday when EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell admitted that Beijing tried to pressure Brussels into diluting criticism of China in an EU report on coronavirus disinformation. That document from the European External Action Service said that "official and state-backed sources from various governments, including Russia and - to a lesser extent - China, have continued to widely target conspiracy narratives and disinformation".

Mr Borrell also called Brussels "a little naive" in its relationship with Beijing, which he claimed is not just an economic partner but a "systemic rival that seeks to promote an alternative model of governance".