Muhammad Mustafa

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5 to 10 hold great significance as they reflect China’s strategic priorities in Europe. The visit aims to serve a triple purpose- to mend strained relations caused by China’s stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine, to counter the European Union’s efforts to bolster economic security measures against China, and to underscore China’s close alliances with Serbia and Hungary, key players in Beijing’s geopolitical strategy.

Xi’s diplomatic tour through France, Serbia, and Hungary also serves as an opportunity for China to showcase its strong partnerships with these nations and solidify ties with Central and Eastern Europe, regions increasingly caught in the crosscurrents of global power dynamics. By leveraging economic ties and political alliances, China aims to demonstrate its proactive approach to diplomacy.

Despite mounting pressure from Washington urging European nations to reduce their economic ties with China, many countries on the continent remain steadfast in their commitment to bolster trade and investment cooperation with the world’s second-largest economy. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s current tour of Europe serves as a testament to the enduring strength of the Beijing-Brussels relationship and highlights the significance of their economic partnership.

Over the years, China has emerged as one of the European Union’s most vital trading partners. In 2020, China accounted for a substantial 20.5 percent of EU imports of goods, positioning it as the largest import partner for the bloc, followed closely by the USA, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway. Additionally, China’s involvement in various infrastructure projects across the continent underscores its deepening economic engagement with Europe. Despite external pressures, these economic ties continue to play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of global trade and investment.

Both Chinese and European experts view Xi’s visit as an opportunity to explore avenues of cooperation. Xi’s engagements are poised to inject fresh momentum into the trajectory of China-Europe relations, demonstrating the capacity for positive interactions and mutually beneficial collaboration that transcends conventional geopolitical dynamics. As the world grapples with evolving challenges and shifting power dynamics, these diplomatic exchanges serve as a testament to the resilience of international relations and the potential for constructive engagement between China and Europe.

Xi’s visit is part of a broader trend of high-level engagements between China and the EU this year. In January, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo made his inaugural visit to China, signing a series of cooperation agreements on various fronts like the economy, trade, agriculture, and food. In late March, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid a visit to Beijing. Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany followed suit with a visit in April, accompanied by a delegation of federal ministers and business leaders. Looking ahead, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is reportedly gearing up for her visit to China later this year, further underscoring the evolving dynamics of Sino-European relations.

The intricate web of global supply chains reflects the symbiotic relationship between China and the EU, a dynamic that not only underscores their interdependence but also bolsters global economic stability. China’s robust manufacturing capabilities, for instance, seamlessly complement the EU’s expertise in cutting-edge sectors like aerospace, industrial software, laser technology, and semiconductors, creating a mutually beneficial partnership that drives the smooth functioning of international markets.

Consider China’s pivotal role as a producer of rare earth elements, essential components for the EU’s manufacturing of sophisticated goods such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced computing systems. These materials form the lifeblood of modern technology, highlighting China’s indispensable position in the global tech supply chain. Conversely, the EU’s contribution of high-end technology and equipment plays a crucial role in China’s industrial advancement and infrastructure development endeavors. From state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery to renewable energy technologies and components for high-speed rail, the EU’s offerings fuel innovation and efficiency across China’s sectors, propelling the nation towards greater modernization and competitiveness on the global stage.

Amidst the shifting tides of global geopolitics over the last five years, the bond between China and its three European counterparts – France, Serbia, and Hungary – has endured, guided by the steady hand of state leadership. President Xi Jinping’s visit to these nations heralds a new chapter in their collective narrative, symbolizing not only deepening bilateral ties but also the broader trajectory of China-Europe relations. The landscape of China-Europe relations has been marked by ebbs and flows in recent years, influenced by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Against this backdrop, Europe finds itself navigating a delicate balancing act, as the United States intensifies its efforts to court the continent while designating China as its foremost competitor. Despite these complexities, the EU’s commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy emerges as a crucial litmus test.

In this context, President Xi’s visit sends a resounding message: China remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering cooperation with Europe while respecting and upholding the continent’s strategic autonomy.