What's happened
Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent European tour included significant stops in Serbia and Hungary. In Serbia, Xi commemorated the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations. In Hungary, Xi and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced an 'all-weather partnership' and several economic cooperation deals, including a joint railway project and expansion in the nuclear industry. This tour highlights China's strategic partnerships with Serbia and Hungary amid growing EU-China tensions.
Why it matters
Xi Jinping's European tour is significant as it underscores China's strategic alliances with Serbia and Hungary, two countries that have distanced themselves from the EU's critical stance on China. The economic deals announced in Hungary, including infrastructure and energy projects, signal China's intent to deepen its influence in Europe. This tour also serves as a reminder of historical grievances, such as the NATO bombing, which continue to shape China's diplomatic narrative. The impact of these strengthened ties could influence EU-China relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Xi's visit to Hungary resulted in the announcement of an 'all-weather partnership' and several economic cooperation deals. The Guardian highlighted the warm reception Xi received in Hungary, contrasting it with the EU's cautious stance towards China. The South China Morning Post emphasized the symbolic nature of Xi's visit to Serbia, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing. Politico noted Xi's criticism of NATO in a letter to Serbian media, underscoring the historical context of his visit.
How we got here
China's relationship with Serbia and Hungary has been growing over the years, marked by significant investments and strategic partnerships. Serbia has been a key recipient of Chinese investments in infrastructure and mining, while Hungary has welcomed Chinese investments and blocked EU motions critical of China. The NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in 1999 remains a significant event in China's diplomatic history, influencing its relations with the West. Xi's recent tour aimed to reinforce these alliances and counter the EU's 'de-risking' strategy towards China.
Common question
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country situated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe in the southern Pannonian Plain and the central Balkans.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Viktor Mihály Orbán is a Hungarian politician who has been Prime Minister of Hungary since 2010; he was also Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002.
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Hungary is a country in Central Europe. Spanning 93,030 square kilometres in the Carpathian Basin, it borders Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the south, Croatia and Slovenia to the southwest, a
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Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².
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The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. Its members have a combined area of 4,233,255.3 km² and an estimated total population of about 447 million.
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.
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Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers and the crossroads of the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula.