In his first trip to Europe in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to build bridges with France and the European Union. However, he also took the opportunity to condemn the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999. During his visit to Serbia, Xi praised the friendship between China and Serbia as forged with the blood of their compatriots.
Xi’s European tour began in France, where he met with French President Macron and European Commission President Von der Leyen. Following this, they traveled to the Pyrenees, a significant place for Macron as it is associated with his childhood. The visit to the Hautes-Pyrénées department was intended to establish a personal connection between Macron and Xi.
After the more intimate Pyrenean break, Xi planned to travel to Serbia, praising the friendship between China and Serbia as forged with the blood of their compatriots. The attack on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade occurred during the NATO air campaign in 1999. China consistently denounces it as a barbaric crime and criticizes the Atlantic Alliance for it.
Serbia and Hungary, the two countries Xi visited in Europe, are key partners for China in the region. Both countries are 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 the war in 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
