By Marjana Doda
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s European tour, specifically in France, Hungary, and Serbia, is seen as another step towards rebuilding trust with the continent. The tour focuses on pragmatic cooperation despite geopolitical frictions.
In an era where geopolitical tensions often dominate multilateral relations, the relationship between China and the EU is a testament to economic cooperation’s benefits. As two of the world’s most important economies, China and the EU have cultivated a relationship that significantly affects global trade and economic stability.
Chinese President Xi Jinping started his tour from France, the first stop of his state visit to the three EU countries. This visit shows the necessity for the stable and healthy development of China-Europe relations. It guarantees stability and security in the current turbulent world situation and gives further impetus to global cooperation and growth.
The ties between China and the European Union are diverse and greatly influence global politics, trade, and many other aspects of international relations. Some critical elements of the importance of these links are:
Trade: China and the European Union are two of the largest economic entities in the world. Their trade relations significantly impact both sides’ economic development.
Investments: China and the EU are among the most important mutual investment partners. Chinese investments in Europe and vice versa impact both regions’ economic and political development.
International Cooperation: China and the EU often meet in international forums, including the United Nations Organization, G20, etc., where cooperation and negotiations are essential for solving global issues.
These are some of the main elements that show the importance of the ties between China and the European Union.
The global geopolitical situation also significantly impacts the rapprochement between China and the European Union. Geopolitical interactions may affect how China and the EU approach each other. In some cases, geopolitical tensions can worsen relations; in others, they can push for closer cooperation.
Consequently, the global geopolitical situation significantly impacts the relationship between China and the European Union, shaping how they cooperate and compete in various spheres.
The European Union and China are interested in protecting their national and regional interests in these contexts, so the Chinese leader’s visit marked another critical step in strengthening this relationship between the two continents.
The world is at risk of conflict and war on different horizons, from Europe to the Middle East and beyond. Therefore, this visit undoubtedly has an important mission: to create bridges of cooperation, build interstate trust, and guarantee peace in the world.
Beijing-Paris, 60 years of friendship
Beijing and Paris mark 60 years since diplomatic relations were established, with France the first Western country to formally recognize the People’s Republic of China on January 27, 1964
Since France recognized China on January 27, 1964, the relationship between the two sides has been generally stable and has grown steadily, raising the “global strategic partnership” level since 2004.
From a strategic perspective, the two countries have engaged in a dialogue covering all cooperation areas, including global governance reform, climate change, and regional crises.
As President Xi said, “As one of the earliest participants in China’s reform and opening up, France has contributed to China’s modernization drive and benefited from it. Deeper friendship requires frequent exchanges and closer cooperation.” France is China’s third largest trading partner, and China is the third largest source of real investment in the European Union (EU). France is China’s largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh largest globally.
Despite the global disruptions, China has remained the EU’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes reaching over $783 billion in 2023. This represents an average of almost $1.5 million in trade exchanges per minute. China-EU economic interdependence clearly indicates that both sides have achieved and can continue to achieve more through cooperation and healthy competition than through antagonistic and rival confrontation.
In this jubilee year for both countries, as two central pillars in Europe and Asia, during this state visit, leaders Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral relations and consolidate strategic stability between the two countries.
However, this visit to Paris also clarified China’s position in the face of crises and conflicts in Europe and the East, with the Chinese leader pledging peace and stability worldwide.
Today’s world is far from peaceful. China and France, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, emphasized the need to discuss the peaceful resolution of hot-spot issues and contribute to a world of lasting peace and common security.
China-Serbia “ironclad” partnership
This is a slogan that has accompanied the trip of the President of China, Xi Jinping, to Serbia.
China is willing to work with Serbia to uphold an ironclad friendship, protect the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries, pursue the respective national development and rejuvenation, aiming to promote the construction of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the New Era, said Chinese President Xi Jinping during the meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade.
Serbia was the first Central and Eastern European country to become China’s comprehensive strategic partner eight years ago.
Chinese investments in Serbia’s infrastructure have been instrumental in improving and expanding critical transportation networks, energy facilities, and telecommunications systems. This infusion of capital has helped modernize Serbia’s infrastructure, improving connectivity within the country and with neighboring countries of the region. For example, projects such as the Belgrade-Budapest railway and highway construction have enhanced transport links, facilitating trade and economic growth.
Beijing-Belgrade economic cooperation has brought many opportunities for both countries. HBIS Smederevo steel plant. Founded in 1913, the steel plant was hailed as the “pride of Serbia” in its glory days, supplying around 40 percent of Smederevo’s fiscal revenue and supporting nearly a third of its residents.
China and Serbia are close friends and partners, sharing an iron friendship that has stood the test of time and thrives despite changes in the global landscape. In October 2023, President Vučić participated in the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing. On the forum’s sidelines, the two countries signed the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first free trade agreement between China and a Central and Eastern European country.
Chinese President Xi Jinping once stated, “The modernization we are pursuing is not only for China but for all developing countries through our joint efforts.” His current state visit is expected to boost economic and trade relations between the two nations, especially within the framework of the BRI.
While Serbia plays a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic hub for connectivity, President Xi’s visit offers the opportunity to discuss the development of projects in the European country. Being a key partner in this initiative, Serbia’s transport infrastructure projects can contribute to the regional connectivity connecting Europe and Asia by expanding economic integration and development throughout the Balkans and beyond.
The agreements to follow…
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signed a joint statement on Wednesday, May 8, on building a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era. Serbia became the first European country to reach such a consensus with China.
Xi announced six measures to support the initiative during the joint press conference. He said that, with joint efforts by China and Serbia, the free trade agreement between the two countries will enter into force on July 1.
China supports Serbia in hosting Expo 2027 and will send a delegation to participate in the grand event, Xi said, adding that China encourages its enterprises to participate in the construction of relevant projects.
He said that China is ready to import more quality and distinctive agricultural products from Serbia.
The Chinese side will assist 50 young Serbian scientists in exchange programs with China for the next three years and invite 300 young Serbian scientists to study in China for the same period.
In the joint statement, the two countries decided to deepen the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership and build a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the New Era.
Budapest-Beijing connection
Hungary was the first Eastern European country to sign Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Hungary’s pragmatic approach to its relations with China prioritizes economic interests while preserving sovereignty and political stability. This concrete fact shows how a European country, unlike some propaganda discourses, is an example of successful cooperation with China.
Shortly before visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Chinese leader Xi Jinping drew attention to the 75-year-old diplomatic relations between the two countries in a letter published in Hungarian media.
“Although a great geographical distance separates the two countries, the friendship between the Chinese and Hungarian people can still boast a long history,” Xi Jinping stressed.
Highlighting their cooperation during the Covid pandemic, when Hungary became the first EU country to authorize a Chinese-made vaccine and mutual cooperation, the Chinese leader praised Hungary as an “important trade partner,” stressing that ” their cooperation is greater than their competition, and there is more agreement than disagreement.”
This is the “leitmotif” of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s European tour. An extended hand for cooperation, for working together to build a community with a shared future.
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