Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent six-day visit to Europe included stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary. Discussions focused on bolstering cooperation in peace, stability, and economic spheres, marking a significant milestone in China’s outreach to Europe amidst escalating global tensions.
This week (May 5-10, 2024), China’s President Xi Jinping embarked on his first official visit to Europe in five years. His itinerary kicked off with a two-day stay in France, marking 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The tour concluded with significant stops in Serbia and Hungary as well.
President Xi Jinping has underscored the importance of bolstering cooperative ties between China and France, as well as the European Union (EU), particularly amid escalating protectionism and raging conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Xi, who was on a six-day trip to Europe, said China-EU cooperation is “complementary and mutually beneficial” in essence during a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The two sides have extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation in green and digital transition, Xi said, noting it is “necessary” for them to properly address economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation, and accommodate each other’s legitimate concerns.
Below are the key takeaways from the trip:
- Peace and Stability
- France: Macron, speaking with Xi, hoped China’s influence could aid in resolving the Ukraine conflict. He also welcomed China’s pledges to control arms sales and regulate dual-use technologies.
- Xi also urged all parties to reinitiate contact and dialogue to resolve conflicts.
- Both leaders voiced mutual concerns about the Middle East, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid delivery, regional de-escalation, and political dialogue.
- Serbia: Xi reiterated that China supports Serbia in upholding its independence and following the development path that suits its own conditions. “We will support Serbia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Kosovo issue,” he said.
- Hungary: Xi underscored the shared geopolitical outlook of the two countries. “We agree that China and Hungary share similar views and positions on the international and regional situation, and are willing to strengthen communication and coordination in the multilateral arena, actively advocate equal and orderly multipolarity in the world and universal and inclusive economic globalization, and resolutely defend international justice and promote the building of a community of shared destiny for humankind.”
- Economic Cooperation and Diplomatic Engagements
- France: China and France signed 18 bilateral cooperation agreements in areas including green development, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges.
- China has also extended visa-free travel for 11 European countries until the end of 2025.
- Xi also said that China is willing to launch an initiative with France calling for a global truce during the Paris Olympic Games.
- Serbia: The two heads of state signed a joint statement on the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, making Serbia the first European country to build such a community with China.
- A bilateral free-trade agreement will also take effect on July 1, while Beijing will support Belgrade in hosting the Expo 2027 and send a delegation to attend the event.
- Xi also welcomed the opening of direct flights from Belgrade to Shanghai, saying that the two countries’ airlines will be encouraged to open more direct flights.
- Hungary: Hungary and China signed several new bilateral agreements to deepen their economic and cultural cooperation.
- Beijing has invested billions in Hungary and sees the European Union member as an important foothold inside the 27-member trading bloc.
- In December, Hungary announced that one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, China’s BYD, will open its first European EV production factory in the south of the country.
- Hungary is also hosting several Chinese EV battery plants and hopes to become a global hub of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and has undertaken a railway project — part of Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative — to connect the country with the Chinese-controlled port of Piraeus in Greece as an entry point for Chinese goods to Central and Eastern Europe.
- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán praised the “continuous, uninterrupted friendship” between the two countries since his tenure began in 2010, and promised that Hungary would continue to host further Chinese investments.
Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s recent trip to Europe represents a pivotal moment in global geopolitics. Amidst a geopolitical struggle, China’s engagement with Europe highlights its commitment to maintaining open economic relations and countering Western attempts to isolate or challenge China.
