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EU says China is a systemic rival, human rights is main issue

After G7 pledge, EU seeks to rival China's 'Belt and Road' with own infrastructure plan
After G7 pledge, EU seeks to rival China's 'Belt and Road' with own infrastructure plan -  Copyright  Thomson Reuters 2021
Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021
By Reuters
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BRUSSELS - China's record on human rights is the main issue that divides it from the European Union and makes it a systemic rival for the bloc, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday.

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"We are strong economic competitors, without any questions, and for that we need tools," the head of the EU's executive told a news conference after talks with U.S. President Joe Biden.

"We need tools for security within the digital market - for example the 5G toolbox - but also foreign direct investment, investment screening ... to ensure that there is a level playing field."

"When it comes to the system itself, it is human rights and human dignity ... that is the main issue that clearly divides us," von der Leyen added.

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