European Union chief diplomat calls for EU-US dialogue to counter Beijing

Brussels and Washington are at odds over a range of major global issues, but EU foreign affairs high representative Josep Borrell said the two sides should make common cause "to defend our values and our interest", reports Bangkok Post.

Borrell made the remarks during his interaction with 27 EU foreign ministers and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo via video conference on Monday.

Borrell told reporters he had suggested launching a "distinct bilateral dialogue" focused on China and the challenges it poses to the EU and US by its "actions and ambitions".

"For us it's important to stay together with the US in order to share concerns and to look for common ground to defend our values and our interest," he said.

The US did not respond to Borrell's suggestion so far.

Pompeo on Monday tweeted: "Thanks @JosepBorrellF for convening today's informal Foreign Affairs Council meeting with my EU foreign minister colleagues. The U.S.-EU relationship is critical to confronting challenges posed by the PRC, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes who disregard international norms."