Xi Jinping in Europe: Strengthening ties amid global uncertainty [Video]

In May 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping undertook a five-day state visit to France, Serbia and Hungary, aiming to reinforce Beijing’s commitment to stronger ties with Europe amid global uncertainty.

Against the backdrop of global challenges, the visit featured high-level diplomacy, economic agreements and calls for deeper collaboration on pressing global issues.

France: Strengthening historic bonds

President Xi began his European tour in France, marking five years since his last state visit. France, the first major Western country to recognize the People’s Republic of China in the 1960s, has long been a key partner for China.

Amid trade tensions between China and the European Union – particularly over Chinese-made electric vehicle (EV) exports – Xi and French President Emmanuel Macron signed nearly 20 agreements covering trade, technology and environmental initiatives. The two leaders also exchanged views on global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Macron described France-China relations as rooted …