The EU’s top diplomat has told the bloc’s foreign affairs ministers that they must not get caught up in US-China rivalry as they re-evaluate their diplomatic and trade relations with the world's second-biggest economy due to rising geopolitical tension and Beijing's increased affirmativeness.
This would involve lowering the EU’s dependencies on Chinese industry, particularly when it comes to semiconductors and artificial intelligence, while pressing Beijing to push Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, according to a letter sent by Josep Borrell to the bloc’s 27 foreign affairs ministers' meeting in Stockholm on Friday.
The EU must remain strongly engaged with China due to its geopolitical significance, wrote Mr Borrell.
“China is here to stay,” the Spanish diplomat argued.
“Unlike Russia, China is a real systemic actor. Russia represents 1 per cent of the world's gross national product, while China is approaching 20 per cent and its GNP will be the highest in the world in only a few years.”
Mr Borrell warned that China was viewed as a counterweight to the West and, therefore, Europe, by many countries.
“Most countries … will seek to strengthen their own room for manoeuvre without picking sides,” he wrote.
The letter, which is not public but was seen by The National, may signal that the West is attempting to contain tension with China.
“The EU should not subscribe to an idea of a zero-sum game whereby there can only be one winner, in a binary contest between the US and China,” wrote Mr Borrell.
Relations with China and the war in Ukraine are on the agenda of a meeting of European foreign affairs ministers in Stockholm on Friday.
It comes after reports that the European Commission suggested last week that EU countries place sanctions on Chinese companies for selling products to Russia, supporting its war effort in Ukraine.
China responded by warning this would be “highly dangerous”.
The proposal, which is part of an 11th round of sanctions against Russia, is currently under discussion by EU ambassadors in Brussels. It reportedly caused alarm in certain member states including Germany.
Yet some of the bloc's foreign ministers told reporters in Stockholm that they thought that Mr Borrell was not being firm enough with China.
“The paper in principle is not bad,” said Lithuania's Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
But he said he wanted Brussels to talk to China “from a position of strength.”
“We also have instruments, we also have arrangements that we possess that could be used as leverage on changing China's position on one case or another,” he said.
“I suggest that we learn from the mistakes we've [made] with Russia and do not repeat them,” said Mr Landsbergis.
Baltic countries are among the most hawkishly anti-Russia in the bloc due to their land border with Russia and its ally Belarus.
Most ministers agreed that Europe needed to adopt a unified position towards China.
“Today we will have a significant important discussion on China, which, as a rising power, poses challenges, opportunities,” said Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Lipavsky. “And we, as [the] EU, need to find a clarified way how to approach that.”
Wopke Hoekstra, the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, said that “there were multiple layers” to the EU-China relationship.
“What we seek is partnership, but we cannot be naive, and we also have to be explicit that domestic interference is something that we’ll never allow,” he said.
The Dutch intelligence service said last month that China was the greatest threat to Dutch economic security.
In late 2022, the Netherlands opened an investigation into reports that China was running illegal police stations on its territory to monitor dissidents.
The EU has repeatedly dismissed Chinese claims that it is neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and said it is, in reality, siding with Moscow.
In his letter, Mr Borrell reaffirmed that the issue remains highly important for Brussels.
“The relationship between China and the European Union will be critically affected if China does not push Russia to withdraw from Ukraine,” he wrote.
There has been renewed attention on EU-China relations following the visit this week of China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang to several countries including France, Germany and the Netherlands.
The US also used Mr Qin’s visit to engage Chinese officials on European soil.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna on Wednesday and Thursday for “candid, substantive and constructive discussions”.
The White House said they discussed “global and regional security issues, Russia’s war against Ukraine and cross-strait issues, among other topics”.
The conversation set the stage for a future call between President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Bloomberg reported, and is widely viewed as part of a US strategy to resume relations after the shooting of an alleged Chinese spy balloon in February.
HAJJAN
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Bundesliga fixtures
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
FIXTURES
Saturday, November 3
Japan v New Zealand
Wales v Scotland
England v South Africa
Ireland v Italy
Saturday, November 10
Italy v Georgia
Scotland v Fiji
England v New Zealand
Wales v Australia
Ireland v Argentina
France v South Africa
Saturday, November 17
Italy v Australia
Wales v Tonga
England v Japan
Scotland v South Africa
Ireland v New Zealand
Saturday, November 24
|Italy v New Zealand
Scotland v Argentina
England v Australia
Wales v South Africa
Ireland v United States
France v Fiji
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
The biog
Occupation: Key marker and auto electrician
Hometown: Ghazala, Syria
Date of arrival in Abu Dhabi: May 15, 1978
Family: 11 siblings, a wife, three sons and one daughter
Favourite place in UAE: Abu Dhabi
Favourite hobby: I like to do a mix of things, like listening to poetry for example.
Favourite Syrian artist: Sabah Fakhri, a tenor from Aleppo
Favourite food: fresh fish
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The Comeback: Elvis And The Story Of The 68 Special
Simon Goddard
Omnibus Press
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
