Western countries need to reduce their dependence on China, but they cannot put this country in the same category as Russia, EU diplomacy chief Josep Borrell said this, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he recognised China's growing assertiveness but cautioned it should not be put in the same category as Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February.

"It is clear that China is...becoming much more assertive, much more on a self-reliant course," Borrell told reporters.

"But for the time being, many member states have a strong economic relationship with China, and I don't think we can put China and Russia on the same level."