![Heiko Maas](/index.php/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-04/Heiko%20Maas%201.jpg?itok=bztmOZEg)
(Reuters) --- The European Union needs to engage with China despite many differences instead of opting for a more isolationist approach, Germany said on Wednesday.
"In the EU, we have been describing China as a partner, competitor and systemic rival at the same time," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said ahead of a virtual meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
"In all these three dimensions we need strong, sustainable communication channels with Beijing. De-coupling is the wrong way to go."