President Xi Jinping highlights Europe's divisions, ahead of President Putin's visit to Beijing
(Baonghean.vn) - CNN commented that Chinese President Xi Jinping's tour of Europe ended with a message highlighting the division within the "old continent", that: despite conflicts with most of the continent, China still enjoys sympathy in some European countries.
CNN's analysis is titled: "President Xi Jinping highlights Europe's divisions, ahead of President Putin's visit to Beijing".
President Xi Jinping may have started his European tour by asking tough questions in France about trade and the conflict in Ukraine, but the Chinese leader ended his trip with a clear message: despite remaining at odds with much of the continent, China still has a soft spot in some European countries, according to CNN.
CNN said that Beijing's appeal was on display in the Serbian capital Belgrade and Budapest, Hungary, with warm welcomes. Meanwhile, Chinese state media mentioned China's "tightening" relationship with Serbia, and its "golden friendship" with Hungary, two countries that receive large amounts of Chinese investment. Both Serbia and Hungary announced upgrading their relations with Beijing during President Xi Jinping's visit.
Analysts say this is a symbolic victory for President Xi Jinping, which could soften Europe's deterrence policy towards China in areas such as trade, security and human rights.
Both Serbia and Hungary are important investment destinations for China, with Hungary emerging as an increasingly important manufacturing hub in Europe for Chinese auto suppliers, including electric vehicle (EV) makers. In France, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told reporters that Chinese company BYD would be “welcome” to open a factory in France; but the electric vehicle giant appears to have already secured its first foothold in Europe, committing to opening a factory in Hungary by the end of 2023.
Analysts say all this reflects President Xi Jinping's efforts to demonstrate how European countries benefit from a more enlightened view of China, compared to those that are following the US in imposing sanctions on Beijing.
“Being close to these countries fits China’s domestic narrative that there are ‘smart countries’ in Europe that really understand China and don’t support the US,” said Liu Dongshu, assistant professor of social and international affairs at the University of Hong Kong. “And China is cooperating with these countries for the benefit of Europe.”
However, from another perspective, the solemn welcome of Serbian President Alexander Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban - leaders considered to have "pro-Russian" views, for President Xi Jinping made the next stops of the Chinese leader's trip seem tense and lacking "warm hugs".
According to CNN, China-Europe relations have been strained by the European Union's (EU) list of economic sanctions against China, which could lead to a full-blown trade war. In addition, Europe has expressed concerns about Beijing's global ambitions and influence, especially China's relationship with Russia.
CNN said that during his first trip to Europe in five years, President Xi Jinping was pressured by French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
"Both leaders will be closely watching the summit between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled to take place this May," CNN said.
During his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, President Xi Jinping stressed that China, France and the EU need to work together to prevent the escalation of hostilities in Ukraine and create conditions for peace negotiations. Xi affirmed that China will support the organization of an international peace conference recognized by both Russia and Ukraine./.
