Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to embark on a visit to France, Serbia, and Hungary as China seeks to play a larger role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite claiming neutrality in the Ukraine war, China has been accused of supporting Russian weapon-making capabilities. The United States is keeping a close eye on Xi’s visits to determine if there is any indication of diminishing support for U.S. foreign policy goals. The visits are seen as a way to inject new momentum into global development.
During Xi’s visits, he will meet with key leaders in Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Serbian officials, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Xi’s visit to Europe marks his first in five years and is seen as an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region. China and Russia have proclaimed a “no limits friendship,” leading to concerns about Chinese support for Russia in the conflict. China’s refusal to label the Russian assault on Ukraine as an invasion has raised further questions about its role in the crisis.
The visits by Xi will begin on April 5 and end on April 10, with the itinerary yet to be confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The United States will closely monitor the visits for any signs of China deviating from U.S. foreign policy objectives. Chinese relations with Serbia and Hungary have raised concerns about China’s growing influence in Europe. Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán, known for his ties to Russia, has delayed Sweden’s entry into NATO, citing concerns about NATO expansion provoking Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Xi in Beijing to discuss the importance of managing differences between the U.S. and China responsibly. The ongoing tensions between the two countries have raised concerns about the potential for conflict. Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu praised military cooperation with China as new tensions emerge globally. China and Russia’s collaboration is seen as a response to Western actions that are viewed as neo-colonial and destabilizing.
In conclusion, President Xi’s upcoming visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary are seen as an opportunity for China to assert its influence in the region amid the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. The United States will be closely monitoring the visits for any indications of China deviating from U.S. foreign policy goals. The growing ties between China and Russia have raised concerns about Chinese support for Russia in the conflict. As tensions escalate globally, the relationships between major powers like China, Russia, and the U.S. will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.
