Chinese President Xi Jinping to Visit France, Serbia, and Hungary in First Europe Trip Since Pandemic

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to begin a six-day trip to France, Serbia, and Hungary starting on May 5, marking his first visit to Europe in five years. The visit aims to boost ties between China and the European Union (EU) amid mounting tensions between the world's second-largest economy and the West.

During his state visit to France on May 6-7, Xi will hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to examine bilateral relations, the Ukraine war, the Middle East, trade, and global challenges. The two leaders are expected to push the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and give new impetus to the healthy development of China-EU relations. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France.

In addition to discussing international crises, Xi and Macron will also explore opportunities for cooperation in areas such as scientific, cultural, and sporting exchanges. They will discuss joint actions to address global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity protection, and the financial situation of vulnerable countries. Macron has also expressed his intention to ask Xi to help maintain an Olympic truce during the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Why this matters: Xi's visit to Europe comes at a time of strained China-EU ties due to the Ukraine crisis. As a major power in a multipolar world, France seeks to navigate its relationship with China during difficult times. The visit provides an opportunity for China and the EU to stabilize relations and collaborate on global issues, while also deepening economic cooperation in areas like green industry and digital infrastructure.

After his visit to France, Xi will travel to Serbia, where he will hold talks with President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss upgrading the China-Serbia relationship. China considers Serbia an important partner in the Balkans and has invested heavily in the country's infrastructure projects.

Xi's final stop will be Hungary on May 8-10. China views Hungary as a key cooperation partner in promoting the Belt and Road initiative and China-Central and Eastern European countries' cooperation. Hungary has attracted significant Chinese investment in recent years, particularly in the battery and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors. The visit aligns with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's 'Eastern opening' foreign policy, which seeks closer economic ties with China and other Asian countries.

In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that China looks forward to working with France, Serbia, and Hungary to enhance political mutual trust, solidarity, and cooperation. "China and France have maintained sound growth momentum in their bilateral relations, with strategic communications and practical cooperation," the spokesperson noted.

Xi's Europe trip comes amid ongoing tensions between China and the West over issues like the Ukraine war, human rights concerns, and trade disputes. However, the visit underscores China's efforts to strengthen its ties with the EU and assert its global influence. As Xi engages with European leaders, the international community will closely watch the outcomes of these discussions and their implications for China-EU relations in the coming years.

Key Takeaways

• Xi Jinping to visit France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5-10, his first Europe trip in 5 years.
• Aims to boost China-EU ties amid tensions, discuss Ukraine war, trade, climate change, and more.
• Visit coincides with 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, opportunity to deepen cooperation.
• China views Serbia and Hungary as key partners, seeks to strengthen ties and promote Belt and Road.
• Visit underscores China's efforts to assert global influence and navigate strained China-West relations.