Chinese President Xi Jinping to Visit France, Serbia, and Hungary in 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a six-day tour of Europe from May 5 to 10, 2024, marking his initial visit in five years to the continent. The trip will include stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary, with the aim of deepening partnerships and promoting cooperation between China and these European countries.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Xi's visits are anticipated to "inject new momentum to the peaceful development of the world" and strengthen the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. The tour comes amid rising tensions over trade with the European Union and concerns over Beijing's support of Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Why this matters: Xi's European tour holds significant implications for global geopolitics and the future of China-Europe relations. The visits will be closely watched for any signs of shifting alliances or changes in foreign policy stances, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict and trade tensions between China and the EU.

In France, Xi will hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron to exchange views on bilateral ties and China-EU relations. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, and is expected to further consolidate political trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Serbia, an EU candidate state, has been attracting substantial Chinese investment in recent years. During his visit, Xi will meet with President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss upgrading the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership and charting the future course of bilateral ties.

Hungary, an essential cooperation partner for China in promoting the Belt and Road initiative, will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China this year. Xi's visit is expected to open a new chapter for China-Hungary friendly cooperation and elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level.

The European tour is seen as an opportunity for China to address trade tensions with the EU and strengthen its relationships with middle powers like France. It also underscores the importance China places on Europe in its global strategy and foreign economic policy, despite the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and concerns over Beijing's support for Moscow.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need to rebalance trade relations with China, while also addressing China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. The visits to Serbia and Hungary, considered China's remaining loyalists in the region, are expected to yield investment deals and other agreements. However, tough conversations about the serious issues plaguing China-EU relations are likely to feature prominently during Xi's stop in France.

Key Takeaways

• Xi Jinping to embark on 6-day European tour from May 5-10, 2024.
• Tour includes stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary to deepen partnerships.
• Visit aims to "inject new momentum" to China-EU strategic partnership amid tensions.
• Talks in France to focus on bilateral ties and China-EU relations, coinciding with 60th anniversary.
• Visits to Serbia and Hungary expected to yield investment deals and elevate partnerships.