President Xi Jinping of China is embarking on a historic trip to Europe this week, marking his first visit to the continent in five years. With stops planned in France, Serbia, and Hungary, Mr. Xi’s visit comes at a crucial time of tensions between China and many European countries.
The trip is significant as it will test Europe’s delicate balancing act between China and the United States, especially in light of China’s support for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine, its trade practices, and espionage activities. Mr. Xi hopes to address rising frictions with the European Union, particularly regarding exports of Chinese electric vehicles and market access for European companies in China.
Experts note that the three countries on Mr. Xi’s itinerary – France, Serbia, and Hungary – have varying degrees of alignment with China’s vision for a redefined global order. Hungary and Serbia have close ties with China and are eager to attract Chinese investments, while France, under President Emmanuel Macron, seeks greater autonomy from the United States.
Mr. Xi’s visit to France is particularly significant, as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. President Macron has emphasized the need for Europe to maintain its independence and not be beholden to any single power, whether the United States or China.
However, the relationship between Europe and China has seen strains in recent years, with issues such as the coronavirus pandemic, China’s support for Russia, and its trade practices causing backlash in European countries. The European Union has taken a more confrontational stance towards China, with investigations into Chinese trade practices and restrictions on certain Chinese exports.
As Mr. Xi navigates his visit to Europe, the world will be watching closely to see how these complex dynamics play out and how they may impact global relations in the future.
