The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, signed a long article on 23rd April in the columns of the Journal du Dimanche. The article was not published by chance in a French newspaper.
Borrell apparently seemed determined to restore the image of a united Europe in the face of China. He wants to put the issue of China on the table and reaffirm the European position which, according to him, has never changed. European navies must "patrol the Taiwan Strait to signify Europe's commitment to freedom of navigation in this absolutely crucial area"