Chinese President Xi Jinping’s European tour: Impressions but no breakthroughs on trade and Ukraine tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent European tour has sparked discussions on the differences between Beijing and Brussels on key issues such as trade and the war in Ukraine. Despite making a strong impression during his visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary, analysts suggest that Xi did not achieve any significant breakthroughs during his trip.

Xi’s tour began in France, where he was welcomed with grandeur by President Emmanuel Macron. The visit included both formal events, such as a dinner at the Elysee Palace, and more casual activities like a trip to the Pyrenees mountains. In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his admiration for Xi, while in Hungary, Xi was received with military honors and engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

While Xi’s trip garnered attention and showcased China’s partnerships in Europe, analysts point out that there were no major breakthroughs in trade relations or the Ukraine conflict. Despite Macron’s efforts to address trade imbalances with China, there are concerns about the lack of concrete commitments from European countries to address trade disputes.

The war in Ukraine also emerged as a key topic during Xi’s visit, with Macron urging for a truce during the Paris Olympics and expressing concerns about China’s stance on the conflict. Xi, however, emphasized China’s neutrality and its efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis, despite suspicions that China may be indirectly supporting Russia in the conflict.

Overall, Xi’s European tour highlighted the complexities of China’s relationships with European countries and the challenges in aligning on key issues such as trade and international conflicts. The trip may not have resulted in significant progress in addressing differences between Beijing and Brussels, but it underscored the importance of dialogue and engagement in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics.