President Xi Jinping’s state visit to key European countries-France, Serbia and Hungary– holds overarching potential to bridge the gap between the West and China by fostering greater understanding and cooperation amid Europe’s unfound misgivings against China on the issues of overcapacity, espionage, de-risking, human rights and trade sanctions.
Epic visit’s magnificence can be assessed with the fact that President Xi Jinping has visited Europe for the first time in five years offering a glimpse of brand-new chapter of China’s inclusive diplomacy and openness to world. The trip is also an empirical test of Europe’s delicate balancing act between China and the US.
Xi’s visits came at time when China and France mark 60 years diplomatic relations France was the first western country to formally recognise the People’s Republic of China, on 27 January 1964. His visit to Belgrade has coincided with the 25th anniversary of US’ 1999 bombing on the Chinese embassy in Serbia which killed three people after a US strike hit the compound during Nato’s air campaign against Serb forces occupying Kosovo.
Fraternization between Xi and European heads seems headway to help mitigate frictions on rising export of Chinese New Energy vehicles in Europe and ease out China’s market access for European companies in China.
The visit show that both China and Europe have been aspiring to explore the space and prospects of cooperation despite their multi-faced differences. The visit has injected a fervency for the further development of China-Europe tie-ups, signifying that the two sides can uphold positive interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation transcending traditional geopolitics.
By showcasing the tangible outcomes of their collaboration and emphasizing mutual respect and long-term cooperation, President Xi and President Macron sent a message of unity and partnership, which may soften the stance of the countries which are harsh with China due to it’s unprecedented economic prowess over the years.
Xi Jinping’s historic welcome in European countries not only highlights the strengthening ties between China and key European nations but also serves as a testament to the failure of US efforts to isolate China, particularly in the European context. Despite pressure from the US to distance themselves from China, France’s warm welcome and the commitments forged between the two countries underscore Europe’s receptiveness to deeper engagement with China. This defiance against external pressures reflects Europe’s desire to pursue its own independent foreign policy objectives and to capitalize on the opportunities presented by closer ties with China. As such, Xi’s visit not only solidifies China’s partnerships in Europe but also sends a clear message to the international community about the resilience of China-Europe relations in the face of external challenges.
Xi Jinping’s Europe journey marks a significant turning point in global relations, prioritizing peace, progress, and cooperation over political tensions. The visit strengthens China’s partnerships with European nations, fostering greater understanding and cooperation, and serves as a model for international collaboration, driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation. Cultural exchange and mutual respect can bridge the gap between East and West, while contributing to regional stability, peace, and prosperity.
The recent signing of 18 cooperation agreements between China and France serves as a testament to the depth and breadth of their partnership, spanning crucial sectors such as aviation, agriculture and green development. This collaborative effort not only enhances bilateral ties but also serves as a model for international cooperation, countering attempts to politicize business relations. Similarly, XI’s announcement of building a shared community with Serbia holds profound implications for China’s relationship with Europe.
The recently published interview of French entrepreneur Laurent Michelon with Chinese Media provides valuable insights into the historical friendship between China and France, rooted in principles of independence and mutual understanding. Michelon’s perspective highlights France’s unique role as a bridge between East and West, fostering dialogue and cooperation amidst shifting global dynamics. As European companies continue to invest in China, and vice versa, the relationship between China and Europe evolves beyond mere economic transactions to encompass broader strategic and cultural exchanges.
In Hungary, Xi’s meeting with President Viktor Orban reflects the evolving dynamics of China’s relations with Central and Eastern European countries. Despite concerns raised by other EU members, Hungary’s alignment with Beijing presents opportunities for mutual cooperation, particularly in areas like infrastructure development and the Belt and Road Initiative. By engaging with Hungary and other countries in the region, China seeks to foster greater connectivity and economic integration, bridging divides and promoting regional stability. An op-ed by President XI in the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet, he focused on the need to deepen cooperation across various domains, including economic, cultural, and political spheres, to propel the China-Hungary comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signed a joint statement in Belgrade, marking Serbia as the first European nation to establish a “community with shared future” to be known as China-Serbia community. Xi outlined six measures to support this community building, including increased agricultural imports from Serbia, facilitating direct flights between Belgrade and Chinese cities, supporting exchange programs for young scientists and students, backing Serbia’s hosting of Expo 2027, and implementing a free trade agreement effective July 1.
This development has the potential to reshape dynamics in Europe-China relations, paving the way for greater engagement, shared prosperity, and regional stability. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia coincides with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air campaign over Kosovo. The bombing, which occurred on May 7, 1999, resulted in the death of three Chinese nationals and strained relations between China and the US. Xi Jinping referenced the incident in an op-ed published in Serbia’s Politika newspaper, emphasizing the importance of peace and preventing historical tragedies from recurring.
