Xi Jinping to Visit France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5 to May 10
President of China, Xi Jinping, will make state visits to three European countries, strengthening strategic ties, especially with France
From May 5 to May 10, President Xi Jinping of China will conduct high-level visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary. This was reported by Bloomberg.
Also, according to Reuters, this has been officially confirmed by the head of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jia, the European tour of the Chinese leader is expected to enhance strategic ties and practical cooperation, particularly with France, where bilateral relations demonstrate steady development.
"China seeks to deepen political trust and enhance cooperation with France," Lin emphasized.
Negotiations with Serbian President Alexander Vučić are also planned, during which ways to strengthen Sino-Serbian ties will be discussed.
The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's administration, Gergely Gulyás, reported that during his visit to Europe, Xi Jinping will also visit Budapest from May 8 to May 10.
We previously wrote that Xi Jinping plans his first trip to Europe since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing early May and France for this event. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Paris.
In light of the tensions between Europe and China, which have intensified due to the war in Ukraine, Xi Jinping aims to strengthen diplomatic relations, offering China's role as a mediator of peace.
In particular, China advocates for the inclusion of Russia in peace negotiations on Ukraine, proposed to be held in Switzerland, and warns against its absence at such meetings if Russia is excluded from the process.
It was previously reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the proposal by French leader Macron about a truce during the Olympic Games, noting the unproductiveness of previous negotiations with Russia.