Xi Jinping faces a different reception on European tour in 2024
When Chinese President Xi Jinping first visited Italy in 2019, he was greeted with a lavish welcome and Italy’s decision to join the Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. However, five years later, Xi returns to Europe in a much different climate.
During his six-day European tour, Xi will face a continent where opinions about China have dramatically shifted. The European Union has launched trade investigations into Chinese imports and raided the offices of Chinese companies. Italy also formally abandoned the Belt and Road initiative, signaling a blow to China’s ambitions.
The growing economic grievances and suspicions about China’s global influence have the EU bracing for a possible trade confrontation. The war in Ukraine and China’s ties with Russia have also raised concerns in Europe.
Xi’s trip, with stops in France, Serbia, and Hungary, presents an opportunity to court his critics and mend relationships. However, notable trade commitments or reciprocal market access are unlikely to sway European leaders who are concerned about China’s trade practices.
In France, Xi will meet with President Emmanuel Macron, who has been a strong critic of China’s trade policies. The visit is expected to include discussions on China’s role in global efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage.
The ongoing war in Ukraine will also be a focal point of the discussions, with Xi seeking to position China as a peacemaker. However, concerns remain about Chinese exports to Russia fueling the conflict.
In Serbia and Hungary, Xi is expected to receive a warmer reception, with both countries welcoming Chinese investments. Serbia, in particular, has seen its trade and investment ties with China grow under President Aleksandar Vučić.
Overall, Xi’s trip to Europe is expected to highlight the shifting dynamics in China-Europe relations and the challenges both sides face in finding common ground on trade and global security issues.