Xi Jinping has just concluded his first European tour in five years. His visit lasted for five days, including stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary. Experts told Voice of America that the Chinese Communist Party leader’s aim was to sow discord between the United States and Europe, but achieving this goal is proving to be difficult.
Analysts from the Swedish National China Research Center (NKK) explained to Voice of America that Xi Jinping’s choice to visit France was an attempt to create divisions across the Atlantic on issues related to China. “It goes without saying that sowing discord between Europe and the United States is the specific purpose of this visit,” they stated.
The atmosphere felt by Xi Jinping in Europe, particularly in France, was markedly different compared to his visit in 2014 when he celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. This time, he was not invited to the Palace of Versailles, and the Eiffel Tower did not adorn red decorations. The prestigious French daily economic newspaper “Les Échos” referred to the meeting between French President Macron and Xi Jinping as a subtle showdown.
The Financial Times noted that while the Chinese leadership could have viewed this visit as an opportunity for reconciliation with Europe, they instead chose to sow division. Preventing the formation of a closer alliance between the United States and Europe has been a long-term strategic goal of the Chinese Communist Party.
The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated in March that as long as there is mutual cooperation between China and Europe, there would be no push towards a confrontation. However, the close relationship and indirect support between China and Russia remain a significant obstacle to improving China-Europe relations.
Experts argue that despite occasional efforts by China to mediate in Ukraine and Europe, Xi Jinping has shown reluctance to actively resolve conflicts. His close ties with Moscow and limited engagement with Ukraine have raised concerns about China’s intentions in the region.
Xi Jinping’s highly publicized visits to Hungary and Serbia were seen as efforts to boost infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, these visits come at a time when more countries are distancing themselves from Beijing’s “China-Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation” initiative, indicating a possible setback for the project.
Reports from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China and Serbia signed 28 cooperation agreements during this visit, but trade between the two countries remains minimal compared to China’s total exports. Political significance appears to outweigh economic outcomes in this visit.
Xi’s timing of the visit to Serbia, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Chinese embassy bombing in Belgrade by NATO in 1999, carries political weight. The traumatic incident is still actively used in Chinese anti-Western propaganda efforts.
Xi’s efforts to build closer relations with Hungary have been met with skepticism from the European Union, viewing China as both a partner and a systemic rival. The differences in perspectives between Hungary and the EU on China are notable.
Xi Jinping’s primary task amidst economic challenges in China appears to be maintaining access to European markets. However, concerns over unfair trade practices continue to strain China-EU relations, with potential tariffs on Chinese electric cars looming.
Xi’s visit raised questions about China’s role in supporting Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine. Despite diplomatic gestures, analysts believe Xi’s actions are not conducive to resolving conflicts in the region.
Xi Jinping’s attempts to influence European opinions and maintain market access reflect China’s broader strategic goals in the region. The complexities of China’s relationships with both Europe and the United States present ongoing challenges for Beijing’s international ambitions.