Overview

• Xi Jinping's tour will include key meetings in France, Hungary, and Serbia, focusing on trade issues and strategic cooperation.
• The visit comes amid heightened EU scrutiny over Chinese trade practices and investments, particularly in green technology and electric vehicles.
• In Hungary and Serbia, Xi seeks to reinforce China’s Belt and Road Initiative and expand China's influence in Central and Eastern Europe.
• France’s discussions with Xi will address the need to rebalance EU-China trade relations, amidst ongoing concerns over China's support for Russia.
• China's investments in Hungary and Serbia are seen as pivotal to Beijing's strategy to maintain its economic footprint in Europe.