China's President Xi Jinping has arrived in France for a rare visit with President Emmanuel Macron. They are set to discuss trade, amid growing tension between Europe and China over an imbalance between China's exports and European imports.

Paris

China's President Xi Jinping has embarked on a notable journey to Europe, marking his first trip to the continent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. His visit aims to bolster China's relationships with France, Serbia, Hungary, and Europe at large, while also striving to contribute to global peace. This tour comes after his last visit to the continent in 2019, highlighting its significance in China's foreign relations strategy.

In France, President Xi is being welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders, who previously met in Beijing last year, are anticipated to forge agreements in nuclear energy, agriculture, and the acquisition of Airbus aircraft by China. Additionally, discussions will include the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is also on President Xi's agenda, amidst accusations from the EU of market flooding by China with unfairly subsidized goods, particularly concerning electric vehicles.

Amidst growing geopolitical tensions, President Xi's visit signifies an attempt to deepen ties between China and Europe, despite Europe's close relationship with the United States. The EU's criticism of China's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and allegations of national security risks posed by China further complicate these relations. This backdrop of skepticism towards China in Europe, contrasted by a general European preference for economic cooperation over political confrontation, sets a complex stage for Xi's diplomatic mission.

During his stay in Serbia, President Xi plans to meet with President Alexander Vucic, showcasing the warm relationship between the two leaders. The tour will conclude in Hungary, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban has increasingly aligned with Beijing, making Hungary the only EU country participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative. Announcements concerning the construction of a new Chinese electric vehicle plant, an oil pipeline, and several railway projects are expected during Xi's visit to Hungary, underlining the strategic economic partnerships at play.



China's Xi Jinping visits Europe amid global tensions

For the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese President Xi Jinping is heading to Europe. This visit is of great significance to promote the overall development of China's relations with France, Serbia, Hungary and Europe. It will also inject new momentum into a peaceful development of the world. Xi last visited the continent in 2019. The three nations he's visiting are hoping to attract more Chinese investment. First stop, France, where he'll be hosted by President Emmanuel Macron. The two met in Beijing last year. They're expected to sign deals on nuclear energy and agriculture, as well as China's purchase of Airbus aircraft. The conflict in the Middle East is also on the agenda. President Xi will meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has accused Beijing of flooding the market with unfairly subsidized goods. Last year, the EU launched an investigation into Chinese electric vehicle imports. President Xi wants to deepen ties with Europe as it moves closer to the US. But tensions with the bloc are running high. EU leaders have criticized China's support of Russia during its invasion of Ukraine. And some say Beijing poses an increasing national security risk. Last week, German police arrested four suspected Chinese spies. In general, European leaders are not as hawkish as the Americans are. They understand the need for some type of cooperation with China, perhaps maybe on the economic front more than the political front. But the main objective for China is to sort of pry Europe from what it views as the American orbit. In Serbia, Xi will meet President Alexander Vucic. The leaders refer to each other as old friends. His tour will end with two days in Hungary. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has moved the country closer to Beijing since taking office. Hungary is the only EU country participating in China's Belt and Road global infrastructure initiative. While there, President Xi is expected to announce the building of a new Chinese electric vehicle plant, an oil pipeline and several railway projects.

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