Chinese President Xi Jinping’s European Tour: Focus on Russia’s War in Ukraine and Economic Strains with Brussels

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first trip to Europe in five years is set to be a crucial one, with a focus on addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine and economic tensions between Beijing and Brussels. The tour will kick off in France, where Xi will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before heading to Serbia and Hungary.

The visit comes at a time of heightened global security concerns, with the war in Ukraine entering its third year and ongoing violence in the Middle East. Macron, known for his strong stance on European security, is expected to push Xi to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the conflict in Ukraine. The European Union is also investigating China’s subsidies for electric vehicle manufacturers, raising concerns about fair competition and the impact on European companies.

Xi’s trip will also include stops in Serbia and Hungary, where he will meet with leaders who have maintained close ties with Russia despite its actions in Ukraine. In Serbia, Xi will commemorate the anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy during the NATO air campaign against Serb forces in Kosovo. The visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen China’s partnership with Serbia and showcase Beijing’s influence in the Western Balkans.

In Hungary, Xi will meet with President Viktor Orban, known for his friendly relations with both Beijing and Moscow. The two leaders are expected to discuss China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of a high-speed rail project between Budapest and Belgrade. Concerns have been raised about Chinese police stations in Hungary and their impact on exiles and dissidents in Europe.

The issue of human rights is also likely to be on the agenda during Xi’s visit, with campaigners calling for action on China’s treatment of ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang. Macron has been urged to raise these concerns with Xi and push for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, including Uighur economist Ilham Tohti. Human Rights Watch has called on France to address China’s human rights abuses and not remain silent on these critical issues.

As Xi continues his European tour, the focus will be on addressing key geopolitical challenges, promoting economic cooperation, and addressing human rights concerns. The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for China’s relations with Europe and the broader international community.