Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a significant diplomatic mission to Europe from May 5-10, marking his first visit to the continent in five years. The tour will include stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary, with the overarching goal of strengthening ties with the European Union as tensions with China escalate.
According to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, bilateral relations between China and France have been on a positive trajectory, characterized by strategic communications and practical cooperation. Lin emphasized the need to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level, which, in turn, would inject fresh momentum into China-EU relations. He expressed hope that this enhanced partnership would contribute to global peace, stability, development, and progress.
Despite these aspirations, recent trade disputes have strained relations between China and the EU. France’s support for a European Commission investigation into Chinese electric vehicle imports led to retaliatory measures from China, including an anti-dumping investigation into French brandy.
During his visit, President Xi is expected to engage in talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss bilateral relations and explore avenues for advancing the China-Serbia relationship. Additionally, Xi will visit Hungary, where Lin described the country as a crucial partner in promoting the Belt and Road initiative and fostering cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.
Xi’s visit comes at a critical juncture, as China seeks to bolster its relationships with key European partners amid growing tensions. The outcomes of his discussions and engagements during this trip could have far-reaching implications for China’s relations with Europe and the broader international community.
(Source: Associated Press | The Diplomat | Bloomberg)
