Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Europe after a five-year hiatus was carefully planned, with stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary. France, a leading advocate for European strategic autonomy, presented an opportunity for Xi to discuss economic cooperation and prevent the EU from aligning too closely with the US. Serbia and Hungary, both non-aligned countries, offered platforms for Xi to strengthen ties, particularly in the face of Western criticism towards China’s trade policies and its stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Xi’s visit had three main objectives: preventing the EU from aligning too closely with the US, averting a trade standoff with the EU, and bolstering China’s standing in Europe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, however, had complicated the geopolitical landscape, hardening the EU’s stance against Russia and indirectly shaping negative views on China’s trade policies.
French President Emmanuel Macron had his own agenda, promoting French trade interests and pressuring China to halt the supply of weapons components to Russia. He met with the Tibetan Sikyong, Penpa Tsering, on the eve of Xi’s visit, sending a clear message about France’s stance on human rights and Tibet. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also raised concerns about the need to balance trade with China more evenly.
Hungary has emerged as China’s closest ally within the EU, providing access to the continent’s largest trading bloc. Chinese investments have had a significant impact in Hungary, particularly in the infrastructure sector, including the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway project. Hungary’s world view often diverges from its Eastern European neighbors, which are wary of Russian aggression and, by extension, China.
China’s efforts to develop ties with Eastern European countries through the 17+1 China and Eastern Europe (CEE) community have been impacted by the Ukraine war. Many Eastern European countries have distanced themselves from China, backing Ukraine and aligning with the West.
Despite the challenges, Xi’s visit can be seen as a strategic move to preserve Chinese interests in Europe amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape. While the outreach to Hungary and Serbia yielded positive outcomes, the skepticism towards China in the rest of Europe remains a hurdle that requires careful navigation.
