Xi Jinping's European Tour Focuses On Trade And Diplomacy

A motorcyclist rides past a billboard showing Serbian and Chinese flags that read: "Serbs and Chinese brothers forever" placed on a street prior to a curfew set up to help prevent the spread of

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is embarking on his first trip to Europe in five years, with Ukraine, trade, and investment expected to be key topics of discussion. This visit comes as China seeks to strengthen its foreign relations post-Covid-19 pandemic.

Xi's tour will commence in Paris, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has emphasized European strategic autonomy from the U.S., hinting at potential divergence in foreign policy alignment. Xi will then proceed to Hungary and Serbia, both viewed as China-friendly nations with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi's visit to Europe is closely watched by Washington for any indications of shifting support for U.S. foreign policy objectives. The Chinese leader's itinerary includes stops in countries like France, Hungary, and Serbia, reflecting China's strategic approach to bolstering traditional and forging new relationships in Europe.

Key topics include Ukraine, trade, and investment during Xi's visit to Europe.

Xi Jinping's first trip to Europe in five years emphasizes strengthening foreign relations post-pandemic.

Xi's itinerary includes meetings with French President Macron, Hungarian PM Orbán, and Serbian President Vucic.

France's preparations for hosting the Summer Olympics coincide with Xi's visit, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations.

Hungary's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative highlights deepening economic cooperation.

China's investments in Hungary, particularly in electric vehicle battery factories, showcase economic ties.

Infrastructure projects linking Hungary with Serbia further solidify bilateral relations.

Serbia's strong ties with China, including recent arms deliveries, underscore evolving regional dynamics.

U.S. closely monitors China's stance on Ukraine conflict and its relationship with Russia.

Xi's tour signals China's evolving foreign policy priorities and global impact on relations.

In France, Xi's visit coincides with the country's preparations for hosting the Summer Olympics, a significant event for China. The trip marks 60 years of French-Chinese diplomatic relations and aims to strengthen China's broader ties with the EU.

In Hungary, Xi will engage with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, known for his close relations with Russia. Hungary's participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative underscores its unique position straddling EU and NATO memberships while fostering ties with eastern autocracies.

China's investments in Hungary, particularly in electric vehicle battery factories, highlight the deepening economic cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, China has been involved in infrastructure projects linking Hungary with Serbia, further solidifying bilateral relations.

In Serbia, Xi will meet with President Aleksandar Vucic, with whom China has cultivated strong ties. The historical friendship between the two countries, coupled with recent arms deliveries from China to Serbia, underscores the evolving dynamics in the region.

China's stance on the Ukraine conflict, its relationship with Russia, and the implications for global geopolitics are closely monitored. The U.S. military aid bill allocating funds for Ukraine and countering Chinese threats in the Indo-Pacific region reflects the complex dynamics at play.

As Xi's European tour unfolds, the world watches for signals of China's evolving foreign policy priorities and its impact on global relations.