Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his first trip to Europe in nearly five years on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening Sino-European relations. Over six days, President Xi visited France, Serbia, and Hungary, reinforcing China’s commitment to being an important partner to Europe.
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Pursuing Win-Win, Non-Confrontational Relations
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In Paris, President Xi held a trilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday. Xi emphasized that China regards Europe as an essential dimension in its major-country diplomacy and a key partner on its path toward Chinese modernization.
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“This relationship does not target any third party, nor should it be dependent on or dictated by any third party,” Xi stressed during the meeting.
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Wang Yiwei, director of the Center for European Union Studies at Renmin University of China and Jean Monnet Chair Professor, interpreted Xi’s remarks as a message supporting the strategic independence of the European Union. “The emphasis on independence indicates that one’s destiny must be in their own hands, opposing any Cold War mentality,” Wang told CGTN.
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President Xi addressed concerns regarding China’s role in global industries, stating that Chinese new energy enterprises have enriched global supply, alleviated inflationary pressures, and significantly contributed to global climate response and green transition. “Whether viewed from the perspective of comparative advantage or global market demand, there is no such thing as ‘overcapacity’,” Xi said.
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French President Macron reaffirmed the European Union’s stance against decoupling, expressing a desire to enhance cooperation with China. “The EU hopes to jointly safeguard the security and stability of value chains and supply chains in Europe,” Macron noted.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the strategic significance of China-Europe relations in a world facing changes and uncertainties. “As long as China and Europe engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, no attempt to create bloc confrontation will succeed; as long as China and Europe stay committed to openness and win-win outcomes, deglobalization will not prevail,” Wang stated.
