European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stressed the need to focus on "de-risking" relations with China, rather than decoupling from the Asian nation.

In a speech in Brussels on Thursday, von der Leyen noted that China is strengthening its ties with Russia as Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine.

She said China has been ramping up its military posture and its policies of disinformation and economic and trade coercion. She added that the Chinese Communist Party's clear goal is a systemic change of the international order with China at its center.

Von der Leyen said, "This is why it is vitally important that we ensure diplomatic stability and open communication with China."

She also said, "It is neither viable -- nor in Europe's interest -- to decouple from China."

She said she will soon visit China with French President Emmanuel Macron to meet their Chinese counterparts as part of the "de-risking" efforts.

She stated that the European Commission is currently reflecting on if and how Europe should develop measures to control outbound investment regarding some sensitive technologies.

Von der Leyen referred to sensitive high-tech areas such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. She said investment in these technologies can lead to the development of military capabilities that pose risks to national security.