Xi Jinping leverages his European tour to mitigate the continent’s efforts to reduce risks associated with China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently concluded a significant diplomatic venture in Europe, solidifying strategic partnerships and addressing geopolitical dynamics that have implications for China’s global influence. The culmination of this tour was an agreement between Xi and Hungary, marking a pivotal moment in China’s efforts to strengthen ties with European nations.

The tour aimed to address two primary objectives: bolstering China’s presence on the European continent and countering growing European efforts to mitigate risks associated with Chinese investments and address national security concerns. Xi’s visit to Hungary, the final stop on his tour, underscored Beijing’s commitment to deepening cooperation with key European partners, particularly in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing skepticism towards Chinese initiatives.

During his meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Xi emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between China and Hungary, characterizing it as a “new starting point” for advancing bilateral relations. Hungary’s willingness to embrace closer ties with China stands in stark contrast to the cautious approach adopted by the European Union and several member states, which have expressed concerns about China’s rising influence and its implications for European security and sovereignty.

Orban’s government has actively pursued closer economic and political ties with China, viewing Beijing as an important ally and source of investment. Notably, Hungary was among the first European countries to join China’s Belt and Road initiative, signaling its willingness to align its interests with those of Beijing. Orban’s enthusiastic reception of Xi during his visit further underscores Hungary’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with China, despite broader geopolitical tensions.

Xi’s visit to Hungary comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of Chinese investments and influence in Europe. Several European countries, as well as EU institutions, have raised concerns about the strategic implications of Chinese investments in critical infrastructure and strategic industries. In response to these concerns, there has been a growing trend towards “de-risking” efforts aimed at reducing dependence on China and safeguarding national security interests.

Despite these challenges, Hungary’s China-friendly stance has positioned it as a key partner for Beijing in Europe. Xi’s visit to Budapest served as a reaffirmation of China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Hungary and expanding its presence on the European continent. The upgraded partnership between China and Hungary encompasses various areas of cooperation, including energy, transportation, technology, and infrastructure development.

One notable aspect of the enhanced partnership is the focus on joint initiatives in the nuclear energy sector. Both China and Hungary have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in this area, with discussions underway to explore opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the two countries have announced plans to develop a freight train line, further enhancing connectivity between China and Europe.

Furthermore, China’s growing role in Hungary’s economy has been underscored by the significant Chinese investments in the country. Orban noted that three-quarters of investments into Hungary last year came from China, highlighting the importance of Chinese capital in driving economic growth and development in the country.

Beyond economic cooperation, Xi’s visit also highlighted Hungary’s strategic significance for China’s broader geopolitical ambitions. Hungary’s alignment with China provides Beijing with a valuable foothold within the European Union, enabling it to influence EU policies and initiatives that may impact its interests. Xi expressed hope that Hungary, which will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union from July, will play a constructive role in promoting China-EU relations.

In addition to Hungary, Xi’s visit to Serbia underscored China’s strategic interests in Eastern Europe. Serbia, although not yet an EU member, holds strategic importance for China as a key partner in the region. Xi’s meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed the strong ties between the two countries and underscored China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Serbia.

Furthermore, Xi’s visit to Serbia coincided with the 25th anniversary of a deadly NATO airstrike during the Kosovo war that destroyed China’s Embassy in Belgrade. Xi’s presence in Serbia during this commemorative event served as a reminder of China’s historical grievances and its determination to defend its interests on the global stage.

In an editorial published during his visit to Serbia, Xi warned against attempts to “scapegoat or smear” China and reiterated the Chinese people’s resolve to prevent such tragedies from recurring. These remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of NATO and the West, underscoring China’s commitment to defending its interests and challenging perceived attempts to undermine its global standing.

Xi’s engagement with Hungary and Serbia reflects China’s broader strategy of expanding its influence in Eastern Europe and countering Western efforts to contain its rise. By cultivating strategic partnerships with key countries in the region, China aims to enhance its economic and political leverage and shape the geopolitical landscape in its favor.

However, Xi’s visit to Hungary and Serbia also highlighted the challenges and complexities of China’s engagement with Europe. While Hungary and Serbia have embraced closer ties with China, other European countries, as well as EU institutions, have adopted a more cautious approach towards Beijing. Concerns about China’s growing influence and its implications for European security and sovereignty have prompted calls for greater scrutiny of Chinese investments and initiatives.

In particular, European leaders have raised concerns about China’s industrial overcapacity, its support for Russia, and its involvement in contentious geopolitical issues such as the Ukraine war. During his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in Paris, Xi faced pressure to address these concerns and make bilateral trade relations more balanced.

Despite these challenges, Xi’s visit to Europe represents a significant diplomatic outreach effort aimed at bolstering China’s presence on the global stage and advancing its strategic interests. By cultivating strategic partnerships with key countries in Europe, China aims to enhance its economic and political influence and shape the international order in accordance with its own interests.

In conclusion, Xi’s visit to Hungary and Serbia underscored China’s determination to deepen cooperation with Eastern European countries and expand its influence in the region. Despite challenges and concerns raised by European leaders, China remains committed to strengthening its ties with Europe and advancing its strategic interests on the global stage. As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, China’s engagement with Europe is likely to remain a key priority for Beijing in the years to come.