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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
