Overview

• Xi Jinping concluded a European tour, revealing stark contrasts in EU nations' approaches to China, with Hungary and Serbia deepening ties amid broader EU skepticism.
• In France, Xi faced tough discussions on trade imbalances and lack of substantial agreements, despite previous high-profile deals.
• Hungary's engagement with China includes strategic partnerships and potential integration into EU's critical infrastructure, raising concerns in Brussels.
• Serbia's alignment with China, despite EU candidacy, showcases its strategic pivot away from European consensus.
• EU faces internal challenges on unified China policy as some member states prioritize national interests over collective strategy.