Xi Jinping, the Chinese President, embarked on his first trip to Europe in five years with a mission to bridge gaps with France and the European Union. However, during his visit, he also took the opportunity to condemn NATO’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999.
Xi’s European tour began in France where he met with French President Macron and European Commission President Von der Leyen. Afterward, they traveled to the Pyrenees, a significant place for Macron as it is associated with his childhood. The visit was intended to establish a personal connection between Macron and Xi.
The visit to Serbia followed, where Xi praised the friendship between China and Serbia as forged with the blood of their compatriots. The attack on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade occurred during NATO’s air campaign in 1999. China consistently denounces it as a barbaric crime and criticizes the Atlantic Alliance for it.
Serbia and Hungary were two key partners for China in Europe, both involved in Beijing’s New Silk Road initiative, and Hungary has been supportive of China’s trade claims in the EU. Xi aimed to strengthen ties with these countries and address issues such as trade tensions with the European Union.
During his visit to Europe, Macron and Xi called for an “Olympic truce” to apply to wars during the Paris Olympic Games. Despite differences over Ukraine and trade tensions, both leaders emphasized harmony and cooperation. Xi’s European visit highlighted China’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with key partners in Europe.
In summary, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent trip to Europe was aimed at building bridges with France and other key partners such as Serbia and Hungary while condemning NATO’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade five years ago. He called for an “Olympic truce” while addressing issues such as trade tensions with EU countries despite differences over Ukraine war conflict.
