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Xi Jinping's 2024 European visit: Strengthening ties amid global uncertainty

Li Jianhua

Europe;
03:48

In May 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping undertook a five-day state visit to France, Serbia and Hungary, aiming to reinforce Beijing's commitment to stronger ties with Europe amid global uncertainty.

Against the backdrop of global challenges, the visit featured high-level diplomacy, economic agreements and calls for deeper collaboration on pressing global issues.

 

France: Strengthening historic bonds

President Xi began his European tour in France, marking five years since his last state visit. France, the first major Western country to recognize the People's Republic of China in the 1960s, has long been a key partner for China.

Amid trade tensions between China and the European Union - particularly over Chinese-made electric vehicle (EV) exports - Xi and French President Emmanuel Macron signed nearly 20 agreements covering trade, technology and environmental initiatives. The two leaders also exchanged views on global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly meet the press in Paris, France in May 6. /Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly meet the press in Paris, France in May 6. /Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly meet the press in Paris, France in May 6. /Xinhua

Macron described France-China relations as rooted in "common ambitions" and underscored the importance of open dialogue.

Xi echoed these sentiments, quoting French philosopher Michel de Montaigne: "Friendship comes from exchange. It is only through more exchanges that we can continue to accumulate consensus."

Xi's visit also included a trilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where he advocated for a "positive"  approach to China-EU relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

 

Serbia: Elevating "ironclad" ties

The second stop on Xi's tour was Serbia, a key Chinese partner in Central and Eastern Europe.

Describing the relationship as "ironclad", the two countries agreed to elevate their ties to a "China-Serbia community with a shared future."

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hold talks in Belgrade, Serbia in May. /Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hold talks in Belgrade, Serbia in May. /Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hold talks in Belgrade, Serbia in May. /Xinhua

"Political mutual trust between the two countries is rock-solid," Xi noted, highlighting Serbia's integral role in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Serbia, the largest recipient of Chinese investment in the region, signed agreements on free trade, infrastructure development, and expanded cultural and educational exchanges.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić hailed the strengthened relationship, emphasizing the transition from strategic co-operation to a shared vision for the future.

 

Hungary: A flourishing partnership

The final leg of Xi's trip brought him to Hungary, where the two nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised the rapid growth in bilateral trade, now valued at $12billion annually - four times higher than two decades ago.

Hungary's push to become a European hub for EV manufacturing has attracted significant Chinese investment.

Despite tensions between Beijing and Brussels over the growing influence of China's EV sector, Xi emphasized mutual benefits.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary in May. /Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary in May. /Xinhua

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary in May. /Xinhua

"China supports Hungary in playing a bigger role in the EU and advancing China-EU relations," he stated.

Hungary, the first EU member to receive substantial Chinese investment in EV manufacturing, has been a vocal opponent of additional EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.

The country hosts leading Chinese EV and battery manufacturers, including BYD and CATL, solidifying its strategic partnership with Beijing.

 

Bridging partnerships in uncertain times

Xi's European visit occurred at a critical juncture in China-EU relations, with the EU adopting a more assertive stance toward Beijing.

By fostering economic and diplomatic collaboration in France, bolstering strategic partnerships in Serbia and expanding trade ties in Hungary, the tour underscored China's commitment to maintaining its role as a vital economic and geopolitical partner in Europe.

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