China’s President Xi Jinping is set to embark on state visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5 to 10, marking his first trip to Europe since the pandemic began in 2019. The landscape has shifted significantly since Xi’s last visit, particularly in Europe’s approach to China.
A notable development from Xi’s previous Europe tour has been undone. Italy, which joined the Belt and Road Initiative during Xi’s visit in 2019, withdrew from the initiative in late 2023, citing unmet promises. This move was part of a series of setbacks in China-Europe relations, fueled by the fallout from COVID-19 and China’s diplomatic missteps during that time.
Tensions in the economic sphere have intensified, with the EU scrutinizing Chinese investments and launching trade investigations. The relationship soured further when the European Parliament froze the ratification of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment due to China’s sanctions on MEPs critical of its human rights record.
The conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022 has strained China’s ties with Europe. While China claims neutrality, its close ties with Russia and business dealings post-sanctions have raised concerns.
In the upcoming visits, discussions on Ukraine, trade, climate issues, and cultural cooperation are expected. Xi is also likely to address the strained China-EU ties and France’s initiative for an Olympic truce during the Paris Games. The peace conference on the Russia-Ukraine war in Switzerland may see China’s participation.
Xi’s itinerary includes visits to Serbia and Hungary, where he is expected to secure investment deals. Serbia, marking the 25th anniversary of a NATO airstrike on its Chinese embassy, may see some anti-West rhetoric. Meanwhile, tensions with the US and China’s ties with Russia will loom large.
Xi’s meeting with Putin after his Europe tour adds another layer of complexity. The China-Russia relations are on full display, posing challenges for Xi’s European hosts in navigating the broader geopolitical landscape.