Paris, 9 May 2024 (WAI): Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a significant move, has embarked on a visit to the European continent after a gap of five years. His tour, which included France, Serbia, and Hungary, has concluded after a five-day whirlwind of diplomatic and trade-related activities.
President Xi was greeted with a warm and enthusiastic welcome in both France and Serbia. The Serbian people took to the streets with Chinese flags and slogans, a testament to the strong ties between the two nations. In Hungary, the President was welcomed with a red carpet, symbolizing the respect and admiration for his visit.
Merci pour nos discussions amicales et franches, essentielles pour nos pays et pour l'équilibre du monde. À bientôt !
感谢你们进行友好坦诚的交流，这对我们两国和世界的平衡都至关重要。再见 pic.twitter.com/mnEcpGrGGM
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 7, 2024
The main objective of Xi’s visit is to control trade damages. Trade tensions between European countries and China have been exacerbated, and European countries are threatening tariffs.
Also Read: South Korean Foreign Minister’s China Visit
During the meeting with the Chinese leader, French President Emmanuel Macron raised pressing issues, including the trade imbalance between the two countries and the Russo-Ukrainian war.
Commerce et accès au marché, concurrence équitable et investissement, situations en Ukraine et au Moyen-Orient : la relation entre la Chine et l’Europe, la coordination entre nous, est décisive. pic.twitter.com/hi0c3Tx2iB
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 6, 2024
President Xi reiterated his stance regarding the Ukraine war, which he said must be resolved peacefully and diplomatically. The visit was also crucial for France’s President, seeking friendly bilateral ties with emerging powers.
It was an honor to join President Aleksandar Vucic @predsednikrs and @SerbianGov delegation in welcoming President Xi Jinping on his second official visit to our country.
It was a great day not only for #Serbian–#Chinese relations but also for the citizens of #Serbia and… pic.twitter.com/nU6W3s2qRM
— Марко Ђурић (@markodjuric) May 8, 2024
Many emerging middle powers have challenged the philosophy of Pax Americana. Furthermore, the visit will provide an opportunity to discuss the grim issue of the Ukrainian war. Moreover, China’s trade ties will also expand after the visit. China and Serbia signed a free trade agreement that will come into effect on July 1.
????️@PM_ViktorOrban: Europe today is on the side of war, with the only exception being Hungary, which is calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace negotiations, and supporting all international efforts towards peace, including the Chinese peace initiative presented by President… pic.twitter.com/ALDFYAslWJ
— Zoltan Kovacs (@zoltanspox) May 9, 2024
In Budapest, Xi announces the biggest project worth 2.1 billion USD, connecting the capitals of Budapest and Serbia, with Serbia increasing its imports from China. As for China, Hungary served as a gateway to European trade.
