Chinese President Xi Jinping’s highly anticipated visit to the European Union is underway, marking his first trip to the region in five years. The visit comes at a critical time as trade tensions and China’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine are expected to be major points of contention.
Xi’s tour kicks off in France before moving on to Serbia and Hungary. Relations between the EU and China have soured since Xi’s last visit in 2019, with issues such as trade imbalances and human rights violations playing a significant role in the deteriorating relationship.
In France, discussions are expected to focus on differences in opinion regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron is anticipated to urge China to leverage its influence to bring an end to the conflict. The EU and China have strong trade ties, but the imbalance between European imports and exports has sparked allegations of unfair market practices.
Meanwhile, Xi’s visit to Serbia highlights the significant impact of Chinese investments on the country’s economy. While these investments have boosted economic growth, concerns about their environmental impact have been raised.
In Hungary, China’s relationship with the country has deepened in recent years, with Hungary being viewed as having a pro-China stance within the EU. This trip underscores China’s strategic approach of engaging with individual EU member states to build alliances while bypassing the central authority in Brussels.
Xi’s visit to the EU is expected to shed light on China’s efforts to strategically engage with European countries, potentially dividing the bloc in the process. As tensions rise over trade disparities and geopolitical differences, all eyes are on Xi as he navigates a complex diplomatic landscape during his visit to the region.
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