China’s Xi will visit France, Serbia and Hungary with the aim of boosting ties with the EU

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to 10, his first trip to Europe in five years aimed at boosting ties with the EU as tensions with the world’s second-largest economy rise.

Bilateral relations with France have maintained solid growth momentum and both countries have had strategic communications and practical cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said when discussing Xi’s visit to France. “It is time to take the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and give new impetus to the healthy development of China-EU relations, to make new contributions to world peace, stability, development and progress.” Lin said at a regular press conference.

“China hopes to work with France to further enhance political mutual trust, solidarity and cooperation.” Trade disputes with the EU have soured relations, as Paris backed a European Commission anti-subsidy investigation into imports of Chinese electric vehicles. China then launched an anti-dumping investigation into brandy, a move seen as targeting France. During his trip, Xi will also hold talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to exchange views on bilateral relations and discuss improving China-Serbia relationship, Lin said.

Xi will also visit Hungary, a country Lin called an “important cooperation partner for China in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries.”