The European Union's chief diplomat says the world is at the beginning of the 'Asian century'.

Sputnik - EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said today (25) during the annual conference with German ambassadors, that "analysts have long been talking about the end of an American-led system and the arrival of an Asian century. This is now happening before our eyes."

The news comes from the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post and states that Borrell believes the pandemic should be seen as a likely turning point in the shift of power from the West to the East, and that for the EU, "pressure to choose sides is growing."

Borrell added that the 27-nation bloc "must pursue its own interests and values ​​and avoid being manipulated by one side or the other."

Acknowledging that China's growth is "impressive," Borrell stated that relations between Brussels and Beijing "have not always been based on trust, transparency, and reciprocity."

According to Borrell, "we only have a chance if we deal with China with collective discipline," noting that the upcoming EU-China summit this fall could be an opportunity to do so.

"We need a more robust strategy for China, which also requires better relations with the rest of democratic Asia," added the EU's chief diplomat.

Speaking at the same conference, held this year by video due to the pandemic, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas echoed Borrell's call for greater transparency from China, referring to Beijing's information policy during the early stages of the virus outbreak.

Germany will assume the six-month rotating presidency of the EU in July.