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Xi Jinping's Strategic European Tour Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Ties Amid EU Tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visits to France, Hungary, and Serbia underscore his diplomatic push to foster individual alliances over collective European policies.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and France's President Emmanuel Macron attend a welcome ceremony, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on April 6, 2023. French President Emmanuel Macron will seek to press China's Xi Jinping to use his influence to move Russia toward ending the war in Ukraine during a two-day state visit to France. Both leaders were also expected to discuss trade disputes over electric cars, cognac and cosmetics. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)
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Overview

  • Xi emphasizes the benefits of bilateral relations with individual EU countries, distancing from broader EU criticisms of China's policies.
  • In France, Xi engages in symbolic diplomacy with Macron, offering minimal concessions on trade and Russia's support.
  • Xi's visit to Serbia marks historical grievances, reinforcing China's stance against NATO's past actions and promoting a multipolar world vision.
  • Hungary's strategic importance highlighted as Xi secures investments and support against EU's collective stance on China.
  • European leaders express mixed reactions, balancing national interests with collective EU policies towards China's global influence.