2024 state visits by Xi Jinping to France, Serbia, and Hungary
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{{Short description|2024 Chinese diplomatic tour}}
{{Infobox event
| title= State Visit of Xi Jinping to France, Serbia and Hungary
| image=
| image_size= 250px
| caption=
| native_name=
| native_name_lang=
| english_name=
| date=
| time=
| venue= [[Paris]], [[Belgrade]] and [[Budapest]]
| place=
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| organisers=
{{plainlist|
* [[Government of France]]
* [[Government of Serbia]]
* [[Government of Hungary]]
* [[Government of China]]
}}
}}
From May 5–10, 2024, [[President of China|Chinese President]] and [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] [[Xi Jinping]] made [[state visit]]s to France, Serbia, and Hungary.{{cite news |title=China's Xi to visit France, Serbia and Hungary May 5–10, foreign ministry says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-visit-france-serbia-hungary-may-5-10-foreign-ministry-says-2024-04-29/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Reuters]] |agency=reuters}}{{cite news |title=Xi Jinping to Pay State Visits to France, Serbia and Hungary |url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt_665385/wsrc_665395/202404/t20240429_11290945.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429081129/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt_665385/wsrc_665395/202404/t20240429_11290945.html |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=www.fmprc.gov.cn}}
== Background ==
{{See also|2023 France–China Summit|3=Budapest–Belgrade railway}}
In April 2024, Chinese Director of the Office of the CCP [[Central Foreign Affairs Commission]] [[Wang Yi (politician)|Wang Yi]] communicated with [[Emmanuel Bonne]], the diplomatic advisor to the President of France by telephone on a trip for "adding new connotations to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries",{{cite news |title=China ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with France, says Wang Yi |url=https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/28/content_WS662dae49c6d0868f4e8e684a.html |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=english.www.gov.cn |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428055036/http://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/28/content_WS662dae49c6d0868f4e8e684a.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=18 March 2024 |title=China's Xi Jinping to visit France in early May |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/china-xi-jinping-visit-france-early-may-macron-paris/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[POLITICO]] |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428082109/https://www.politico.eu/article/china-xi-jinping-visit-france-early-may-macron-paris/ |url-status=live }} days ahead of this expected state visits to Europe.{{cite web |last=Pinghui |first=Zhuang |date=2024-04-28 |title=China looks to France to foster 'pragmatic' EU policy on Beijing |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3260669/china-looks-france-foster-positive-and-pragmatic-eu-policy-beijing |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[South China Morning Post]]}}
Xi Jinping's trip coincided with the 25th anniversary of the May 7, 1999 [[United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade]], and public opinion has focused on China's attitude and actions toward NATO as reflected in the event.{{cite news |date=23 April 2024 |title=Xi Heads to Belgrade Around Anniversary of NATO Embassy Bombing |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-23/xi-heads-to-belgrade-around-nato-embassy-bombing-anniversary |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |language=en |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428115924/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-23/xi-heads-to-belgrade-around-nato-embassy-bombing-anniversary |url-status=live }}
Hungarian Prime Minister [[Viktor Orbán]]'s chief of staff [[Gergely Gulyás|Gergely Gulyas]] told a press conference on April 25, 2024, that Xi Jinping will visit Hungary on May 8–10.{{cite news |title=Hungary says Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit in May |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-says-chinese-president-xi-jinping-visit-may-2024-04-25/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Reuters]] |agency=}}
== Visit ==
On the morning of May 5, Xi Jinping left Beijing on a special plane for a state visit to the three countries. Accompanying Xi on the trip were: Xi Jinping's wife [[Peng Liyuan]]; [[Cai Qi]] (member of the [[Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP Politburo Standing Committee]] and Director of the [[General Office of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP General Office]]), Wang Yi (member of the [[Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP Politburo]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]), and others.{{cite news |title=习近平离京对法国、塞尔维亚和匈牙利进行国事访问__中国政府网 |url=https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202405/content_6949196.htm |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=www.gov.cn |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505081019/https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202405/content_6949196.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=习近平离京对法国、塞尔维亚和匈牙利进行国事访问-新华网 |url=http://www.news.cn/world/20240505/bae44a13c87f4801939b3a2599daabf0/c.html |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=[[Xinhua]] |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505081022/http://www.news.cn/world/20240505/bae44a13c87f4801939b3a2599daabf0/c.html |url-status=live }}
=== France ===
{{Main|China–France relations}}
On the afternoon of May 5, 2024, Xi arrived in [[Paris]] and began his state visit to France.{{cite web | title=Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Paris to begin first trip to Europe in five years | website=AP News | date=2024-05-05 | url=https://apnews.com/video/paris-china-government-france-government-france-7b401d5de63f42719df3563c2db50879 | access-date=2024-05-07}}
[[File:Visit of Xi Jinping to France - 2024 (P063803-92196).jpg|thumb|Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace in Paris|230px]]
On May 6, Xi was invited to hold a tripartite meeting of Chinese, French and European leaders with French President Emmanuel Macron and [[European Commission]] President [[Ursula von der Leyen|Von der Leyen]] at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where the three sides discussed [[China–European Union relations]], [[China–France relations]], the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] and the [[Gaza war]].{{cite web | last=Corbet | first=Sylvie | title=Macron puts trade and Ukraine as top priorities as China's Xi opens European visit in France | website=AP News | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://apnews.com/article/china-france-xi-macron-visit-c7f48d55fd9ccb345fc6e9eda105f89b | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | title=Macron, von der Leyen press China's Xi on trade in Paris talks | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-paris-meet-macron-with-trade-ukraine-talks-planned-2024-05-06/ | access-date=2024-05-07}} They were greeted by [[Prime Minister of France|French Prime Minister]] [[Gabriel Attal]] and other senior representatives of the French government.{{cite web | title=Macron set to press China's Xi on trade, Ukraine during Paris visit | website=France 24 | date=2024-05-05 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240505-france-s-macron-set-to-press-visiting-xi-on-trade-ukraine | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | title=到访法国 习近平受到热情迎接 | website=中国日报网 | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://china.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202405/06/WS66380931a3109f7860ddc371.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}}
In the afternoon, Xi held talks with [[French President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]] at the [[Elysee Palace]]. Before the talks, Xi presented Macron with the Beijing Olympic Torch ([[2022 Winter Olympics]] and [[2008 Summer Olympics]]) and Macron returning the favor with the [[2024 Summer Olympics|Paris Olympic]] Torch as state gifts.{{cite web | title=特写丨中法元首互赠奥运火炬 | website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/89048bfe9a724cecafe14176c89f1d36/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}}
Xi also attended the closing ceremony of the sixth meeting of the [[China-France Entrepreneurship Council]] with Macron in Paris and delivered a keynote speech.{{cite web | title=习近平在中法企业家委员会第六次会议闭幕式上的致辞（全文）| website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/c1c85ec8c3b144d6af11590898d5f5fb/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}} In that evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan attended a welcome banquet hosted by Macron and his wife Brigitte at the Elysee Palace.{{cite web | title=习近平出席马克龙举行的欢迎宴会-新华网 | website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/5e7e8857dcbf488ba32f11f7ed2dabef/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}} Following discussion on the granting of visas,{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Hannah | title=and leaders exchange presents | website=France and China ease visa rules | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/france-and-china-ease-visa-rules-and-leaders-exchange-presents/656761 | access-date=2024-05-10}} China has announced to extend the visa-free policy until December 31, 2025, for 12 countries: France, [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[the Netherlands]], [[Spain]], [[Malaysia]], [[Switzerland]], [[Ireland]], [[Hungary]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]] and [[Luxembourg]].{{cite web | title=China extends visa exemption for 12 countries to 2025 year-end | website=Ecns.cn | date=2024-05-08 | url=http://www.ecns.cn/news/politics/2024-05-08/detail-iheafqys1339853.shtml | access-date=2024-05-08}}
On May 7, President and Mrs. Macron took President Xi and Mrs. Peng Liyuan to the [[Hautes-Pyrénées|Hautes-Pyrenees]] in Pyrenees, the birthplace of Macron's grandmother.{{cite web | title=Macron and China's Xi break protocol for one-on-one visit to the Pyrenees | website=France 24 | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240507-macron-seeks-to-gain-trade-concessions-from-china-s-xi-during-pyrenees-visit | access-date=2024-05-08}}{{cite web | last1=Bayer | first1=Lili | last2=Hawkins | first2=Amy | last3=O'Carroll | first3=Lisa | last4=Henley | first4=Jon | title=China's Xi Jinping to head for Serbia on second day of Europe visit – live | website=the Guardian | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/07/europe-live-china-xi-jinping-begins-second-day-of-visit-updates | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | last=Gatinois | first=Claire | title=Macron tries to stop time in a small town in the Hautes-Pyrénées | website=Le Monde.fr | date=2022-05-01 | url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/05/01/from-a-small-town-in-the-hautes-pyrenees-emmanuel-macron-tries-to-slow-down-political-time_5982085_5.html | access-date=2024-05-10}}
=== Serbia ===
{{Main|China–Serbia relations}}
In advance of the visit to Serbia, which overlapped with the 25th anniversary of the [[United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade]] during the [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia]] which killed three Chinese journalists, Xi wrote an article in the Serbian newspaper ''[[Politika]]'' stating, "The friendship between China and Serbia which is soaked in blood that the two peoples spilled together has become a joint memory of the two peoples and will encourage both parties to make together huge steps forward."{{Cite news |last1=Vasovic |first1=Aleksander |last2=Sito-sucic |first2=Daria |date=5 May 2024 |title=China's Xi Jinping to Visit Serbia on Anniversary of 1999 NATO Bombing |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-visit-serbia-anniversary-1999-nato-bombing-2024-05-07/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}
On the evening of May 7, Xi Jinping arrived in [[Belgrade]] for a state visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian President [[Aleksandar Vučić]].{{cite web | last=Higgins | first=Andrew | title=On European Tour, Xi Jinping Heads to Friendly Territory in the East | website=The New York Times | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/europe/xi-serbia-hungary-europe.html | access-date=2024-05-08}} When Xi arrived at Belgrade's [[Nikola Tesla International Airport]], he was greeted by Serbian President Vučić and his wife [[Tamara Vučić]], the chairman of the National Council for Cooperation with China and former President [[Tomislav Nikolić]] and his wife Dragica Ninković, [[President of the National Assembly of Serbia|President of the National Assembly]] [[Ana Brnabić]], [[Prime Minister of Serbia|Prime Minister]] [[Miloš Vučević]] and [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Serbia)|Ministry of Internal Affairs]] [[Ivica Dačić]].{{cite web | last=Aleksandar Vasovic | first=Daria Sito-sucic | title=China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-visit-serbia-anniversary-1999-nato-bombing-2024-05-07/ | access-date=2024-05-08}}{{cite web | last1=Gec | first1=Jovana | last2=Stojanovic | first2=Dusan | title=Xi begins Serbia visit on the 25th anniversary of NATO's bombing of the Chinese Embassy | website=AP News | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-china-nato-bombing-embassy-5b13db499f39721faf9c82b9f88f4dfa | access-date=2024-05-08}}
On the morning of May 8, Xi Jinping held talks with Serbian President Vučić at [[House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia|House of the National Assembly]] in Belgrade.{{cite web | title=BIZTODAY Serbia-China Ties/Xi Visit | website=Longview News-Journal | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.news-journal.com/biztoday-serbia-china-ties-xi-visit/video_15f77116-3079-5480-bbc6-27ebe5cc52ba.html | access-date=2024-05-10}} They signed the Joint Declaration on Deepening and Upgrading the China-Serbia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a New Era China-Serbia Community of Destiny. The two heads of state also entered bilateral cooperation agreements on topics including joint construction of the [[Belt and Road Initiative]], [[green development]], [[digital economy]], [[e-commerce]], infrastructure, economic and technological development, information and communication, agriculture and food, and media.{{cite web | last=Chen | first=Alyssa | title=Xi Jinping hails 'new chapter' for China's relations with Serbia | website=South China Morning Post | date=2024-05-08 | url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261922/xi-jinping-hails-new-chapter-chinas-relations-serbia-belgrade-backs-his-global-vision | access-date=2024-05-10}} President Xi also expressed China's support for the Serbian side's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Kosovo issue. President Vučić said that Serbia would continue to stand firmly with China on all issues related to China's core interests.{{cite web | last1=Stojanovic | first1=Dusan | last2=Gec | first2=Jovana | title=China and EU-candidate Serbia sign an agreement to build a 'shared future' | website=AP News | date=2024-05-08 | url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-china-xi-jinping-visit-nato-e37b7ad0e89ac73b83e754142ce8e399 | access-date=2024-05-10}}
At noon, Vučić and Tamara hosted a welcome banquet for Xi and Peng at House of the National Assembly.{{cite web | last=Delauney | first=Guy | title=China's Xi Jinping gets red-carpet welcome in Serbia | website=BBC Home | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm54pp11x3go | access-date=2024-05-10}}{{cite news | last=Geslin | first=Laurent | title=Serbia opens its arms and economy to 'Brother Xi' | website=www.euractiv.com | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement-neighbourhood/news/serbia-opens-its-arms-and-economy-to-brother-xi/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}
===Hungary ===
{{Main|China–Hungary relations}}
On the evening of May 8, Xi Jinping arrived in Budapest for a state visit to Hungary. At [[Ferenc Liszt International Airport]], [[Prime Minister of Hungary]] Viktor Orbán and his wife Anikó Lévai, [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Hungary)|Foreign Minister]] [[Péter Szijjártó]] and other senior government officials greeted Xi.{{citation | last=Grove | first=Thomas | title=习近平受到欧洲少有的亲中国家塞尔维亚和匈牙利的热烈欢迎 | url=https://cn.wsj.com/articles/%E4%B9%A0%E8%BF%91%E5%B9%B3%E5%8F%97%E5%88%B0%E6%AC%A7%E6%B4%B2%E5%B0%91%E6%9C%89%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%B2%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%B6%E5%A1%9E%E5%B0%94%E7%BB%B4%E4%BA%9A%E5%92%8C%E5%8C%88%E7%89%99%E5%88%A9%E7%9A%84%E7%83%AD%E7%83%88%E6%AC%A2%E8%BF%8E-0c00ad60 | language=en-US | access-date=2024-05-10 | page=}}{{cite web | last=Anita Komuves | first=Boldizsar Gyori | title=China's Xi Jinping says China-Hungary relations an 'all-weather' strategic partnership | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/chinas-xi-jinping-hungary-discuss-ukraine-infrastructure-2024-05-09/ | access-date=2024-05-10}} On the morning of May 9, Xi attended a welcoming ceremony jointly hosted by Hungarian President [[Tamás Sulyok]] and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest.{{cite web | title=Hungary and China sign strategic co-operation agreement during Xi Jinping visit | website=Times and Star | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/national/24308980.hungary-china-sign-strategic-co-operation-agreement-xi-jinping-visit/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}
On the afternoon of May 9, Xi held talks with Orbán at the Prime Minister's Office in Budapest. The countries stated that they are satisfied with the Belt and Road Initiative and that China supports Hungary in playing a greater role within the EU on promoting China-EU relations.{{cite web |last=Szandelszky |first=Bela |date=May 10, 2024 |title=Hungary and China sign strategic cooperation agreement during visit by Chinese President Xi |url=https://apnews.com/article/chinas-xi-welcomed-hungary-talks-orban-0719880a351a5ef0763ae6a623a7798b |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[Associated Press]]}} The visit brought protests concerning [[human rights in Tibet]].{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-09 |title=In Budapest, Xi Hails a 'Deep Friendship' With Hungary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/xi-jinping-china-hungary-orban.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The two leaders announced that China-Hungary relations would be upgraded to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.{{cite news |title=Xi Jinping upgrades China's ties with Hungary to 'all-weather' partnership |url=https://www.ft.com/content/563be6d0-ab62-47cc-9076-5dd20cac8cbd |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[Financial Times]]|date=9 May 2024 |last1=Kynge |first1=James |last2=Dunai |first2=Marton }}
On the evening of May 10, Xi Jinping took off from Budapest Airport back to Beijing, ending his trip to Europe.{{cite news |title=China's Xi leaves Hungary as he concludes a 5-day visit to Europe |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chinas-xi-leaves-hungary-concludes-5-day-visit-110111359 |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}
==See also==
{{Portal|China|France|Serbia|Hungary|Politics}}
*[[Foreign policy of China]]
*[[Foreign relations of China]]
*[[Foreign relations of France]]
*[[Foreign relations of Serbia]]
*[[List of international trips made by Xi Jinping]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Xi Jinping}}
[[Category:2024 in international relations]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Europe]]
[[Category:Xi Jinping visits]]
[[Category:China–France relations]]
[[Category:China–Hungary relations]]
[[Category:China–Serbia relations]]
[[Category:May 2024 in France]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Hungary]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Serbia]]
{{Infobox event
| title= State Visit of Xi Jinping to France, Serbia and Hungary
| image=
| image_size= 250px
| caption=
| native_name=
| native_name_lang=
| english_name=
| date=
| time=
| venue= [[Paris]], [[Belgrade]] and [[Budapest]]
| place=
| cause=
| organisers=
{{plainlist|
* [[Government of France]]
* [[Government of Serbia]]
* [[Government of Hungary]]
* [[Government of China]]
}}
}}
From May 5–10, 2024, [[President of China|Chinese President]] and [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]] [[Xi Jinping]] made [[state visit]]s to France, Serbia, and Hungary.{{cite news |title=China's Xi to visit France, Serbia and Hungary May 5–10, foreign ministry says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-visit-france-serbia-hungary-may-5-10-foreign-ministry-says-2024-04-29/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Reuters]] |agency=reuters}}{{cite news |title=Xi Jinping to Pay State Visits to France, Serbia and Hungary |url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt_665385/wsrc_665395/202404/t20240429_11290945.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429081129/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjdt_665385/wsrc_665395/202404/t20240429_11290945.html |archive-date=29 April 2024 |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=www.fmprc.gov.cn}}
== Background ==
{{See also|2023 France–China Summit|3=Budapest–Belgrade railway}}
In April 2024, Chinese Director of the Office of the CCP [[Central Foreign Affairs Commission]] [[Wang Yi (politician)|Wang Yi]] communicated with [[Emmanuel Bonne]], the diplomatic advisor to the President of France by telephone on a trip for "adding new connotations to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries",{{cite news |title=China ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with France, says Wang Yi |url=https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/28/content_WS662dae49c6d0868f4e8e684a.html |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=english.www.gov.cn |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428055036/http://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/28/content_WS662dae49c6d0868f4e8e684a.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=18 March 2024 |title=China's Xi Jinping to visit France in early May |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/china-xi-jinping-visit-france-early-may-macron-paris/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[POLITICO]] |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428082109/https://www.politico.eu/article/china-xi-jinping-visit-france-early-may-macron-paris/ |url-status=live }} days ahead of this expected state visits to Europe.{{cite web |last=Pinghui |first=Zhuang |date=2024-04-28 |title=China looks to France to foster 'pragmatic' EU policy on Beijing |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3260669/china-looks-france-foster-positive-and-pragmatic-eu-policy-beijing |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[South China Morning Post]]}}
Xi Jinping's trip coincided with the 25th anniversary of the May 7, 1999 [[United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade]], and public opinion has focused on China's attitude and actions toward NATO as reflected in the event.{{cite news |date=23 April 2024 |title=Xi Heads to Belgrade Around Anniversary of NATO Embassy Bombing |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-23/xi-heads-to-belgrade-around-nato-embassy-bombing-anniversary |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |language=en |archive-date=28 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428115924/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-23/xi-heads-to-belgrade-around-nato-embassy-bombing-anniversary |url-status=live }}
Hungarian Prime Minister [[Viktor Orbán]]'s chief of staff [[Gergely Gulyás|Gergely Gulyas]] told a press conference on April 25, 2024, that Xi Jinping will visit Hungary on May 8–10.{{cite news |title=Hungary says Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit in May |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/hungary-says-chinese-president-xi-jinping-visit-may-2024-04-25/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=[[Reuters]] |agency=}}
== Visit ==
On the morning of May 5, Xi Jinping left Beijing on a special plane for a state visit to the three countries. Accompanying Xi on the trip were: Xi Jinping's wife [[Peng Liyuan]]; [[Cai Qi]] (member of the [[Politburo Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP Politburo Standing Committee]] and Director of the [[General Office of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP General Office]]), Wang Yi (member of the [[Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party|CCP Politburo]] and [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China)|Minister of Foreign Affairs]]), and others.{{cite news |title=习近平离京对法国、塞尔维亚和匈牙利进行国事访问__中国政府网 |url=https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202405/content_6949196.htm |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=www.gov.cn |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505081019/https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202405/content_6949196.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=习近平离京对法国、塞尔维亚和匈牙利进行国事访问-新华网 |url=http://www.news.cn/world/20240505/bae44a13c87f4801939b3a2599daabf0/c.html |access-date=5 May 2024 |work=[[Xinhua]] |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505081022/http://www.news.cn/world/20240505/bae44a13c87f4801939b3a2599daabf0/c.html |url-status=live }}
=== France ===
{{Main|China–France relations}}
On the afternoon of May 5, 2024, Xi arrived in [[Paris]] and began his state visit to France.{{cite web | title=Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Paris to begin first trip to Europe in five years | website=AP News | date=2024-05-05 | url=https://apnews.com/video/paris-china-government-france-government-france-7b401d5de63f42719df3563c2db50879 | access-date=2024-05-07}}
[[File:Visit of Xi Jinping to France - 2024 (P063803-92196).jpg|thumb|Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, and Xi Jinping at the Elysee Palace in Paris|230px]]
On May 6, Xi was invited to hold a tripartite meeting of Chinese, French and European leaders with French President Emmanuel Macron and [[European Commission]] President [[Ursula von der Leyen|Von der Leyen]] at the Elysee Palace in Paris, where the three sides discussed [[China–European Union relations]], [[China–France relations]], the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] and the [[Gaza war]].{{cite web | last=Corbet | first=Sylvie | title=Macron puts trade and Ukraine as top priorities as China's Xi opens European visit in France | website=AP News | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://apnews.com/article/china-france-xi-macron-visit-c7f48d55fd9ccb345fc6e9eda105f89b | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | title=Macron, von der Leyen press China's Xi on trade in Paris talks | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-paris-meet-macron-with-trade-ukraine-talks-planned-2024-05-06/ | access-date=2024-05-07}} They were greeted by [[Prime Minister of France|French Prime Minister]] [[Gabriel Attal]] and other senior representatives of the French government.{{cite web | title=Macron set to press China's Xi on trade, Ukraine during Paris visit | website=France 24 | date=2024-05-05 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240505-france-s-macron-set-to-press-visiting-xi-on-trade-ukraine | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | title=到访法国 习近平受到热情迎接 | website=中国日报网 | date=2024-05-06 | url=https://china.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202405/06/WS66380931a3109f7860ddc371.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}}
In the afternoon, Xi held talks with [[French President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]] at the [[Elysee Palace]]. Before the talks, Xi presented Macron with the Beijing Olympic Torch ([[2022 Winter Olympics]] and [[2008 Summer Olympics]]) and Macron returning the favor with the [[2024 Summer Olympics|Paris Olympic]] Torch as state gifts.{{cite web | title=特写丨中法元首互赠奥运火炬 | website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/89048bfe9a724cecafe14176c89f1d36/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}}
Xi also attended the closing ceremony of the sixth meeting of the [[China-France Entrepreneurship Council]] with Macron in Paris and delivered a keynote speech.{{cite web | title=习近平在中法企业家委员会第六次会议闭幕式上的致辞（全文）| website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/c1c85ec8c3b144d6af11590898d5f5fb/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}} In that evening, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan attended a welcome banquet hosted by Macron and his wife Brigitte at the Elysee Palace.{{cite web | title=习近平出席马克龙举行的欢迎宴会-新华网 | website=Xinhua Agency | date=2024-05-07 | url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20240507/5e7e8857dcbf488ba32f11f7ed2dabef/c.html | language=zh | access-date=2024-05-07}} Following discussion on the granting of visas,{{cite web | last=Thompson | first=Hannah | title=and leaders exchange presents | website=France and China ease visa rules | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/france-and-china-ease-visa-rules-and-leaders-exchange-presents/656761 | access-date=2024-05-10}} China has announced to extend the visa-free policy until December 31, 2025, for 12 countries: France, [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[the Netherlands]], [[Spain]], [[Malaysia]], [[Switzerland]], [[Ireland]], [[Hungary]], [[Austria]], [[Belgium]] and [[Luxembourg]].{{cite web | title=China extends visa exemption for 12 countries to 2025 year-end | website=Ecns.cn | date=2024-05-08 | url=http://www.ecns.cn/news/politics/2024-05-08/detail-iheafqys1339853.shtml | access-date=2024-05-08}}
On May 7, President and Mrs. Macron took President Xi and Mrs. Peng Liyuan to the [[Hautes-Pyrénées|Hautes-Pyrenees]] in Pyrenees, the birthplace of Macron's grandmother.{{cite web | title=Macron and China's Xi break protocol for one-on-one visit to the Pyrenees | website=France 24 | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240507-macron-seeks-to-gain-trade-concessions-from-china-s-xi-during-pyrenees-visit | access-date=2024-05-08}}{{cite web | last1=Bayer | first1=Lili | last2=Hawkins | first2=Amy | last3=O'Carroll | first3=Lisa | last4=Henley | first4=Jon | title=China's Xi Jinping to head for Serbia on second day of Europe visit – live | website=the Guardian | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/may/07/europe-live-china-xi-jinping-begins-second-day-of-visit-updates | access-date=2024-05-07}}{{cite web | last=Gatinois | first=Claire | title=Macron tries to stop time in a small town in the Hautes-Pyrénées | website=Le Monde.fr | date=2022-05-01 | url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2022/05/01/from-a-small-town-in-the-hautes-pyrenees-emmanuel-macron-tries-to-slow-down-political-time_5982085_5.html | access-date=2024-05-10}}
=== Serbia ===
{{Main|China–Serbia relations}}
In advance of the visit to Serbia, which overlapped with the 25th anniversary of the [[United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade]] during the [[1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia]] which killed three Chinese journalists, Xi wrote an article in the Serbian newspaper ''[[Politika]]'' stating, "The friendship between China and Serbia which is soaked in blood that the two peoples spilled together has become a joint memory of the two peoples and will encourage both parties to make together huge steps forward."{{Cite news |last1=Vasovic |first1=Aleksander |last2=Sito-sucic |first2=Daria |date=5 May 2024 |title=China's Xi Jinping to Visit Serbia on Anniversary of 1999 NATO Bombing |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-visit-serbia-anniversary-1999-nato-bombing-2024-05-07/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=[[Reuters]]}}
On the evening of May 7, Xi Jinping arrived in [[Belgrade]] for a state visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian President [[Aleksandar Vučić]].{{cite web | last=Higgins | first=Andrew | title=On European Tour, Xi Jinping Heads to Friendly Territory in the East | website=The New York Times | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/europe/xi-serbia-hungary-europe.html | access-date=2024-05-08}} When Xi arrived at Belgrade's [[Nikola Tesla International Airport]], he was greeted by Serbian President Vučić and his wife [[Tamara Vučić]], the chairman of the National Council for Cooperation with China and former President [[Tomislav Nikolić]] and his wife Dragica Ninković, [[President of the National Assembly of Serbia|President of the National Assembly]] [[Ana Brnabić]], [[Prime Minister of Serbia|Prime Minister]] [[Miloš Vučević]] and [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Serbia)|Ministry of Internal Affairs]] [[Ivica Dačić]].{{cite web | last=Aleksandar Vasovic | first=Daria Sito-sucic | title=China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-visit-serbia-anniversary-1999-nato-bombing-2024-05-07/ | access-date=2024-05-08}}{{cite web | last1=Gec | first1=Jovana | last2=Stojanovic | first2=Dusan | title=Xi begins Serbia visit on the 25th anniversary of NATO's bombing of the Chinese Embassy | website=AP News | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-china-nato-bombing-embassy-5b13db499f39721faf9c82b9f88f4dfa | access-date=2024-05-08}}
On the morning of May 8, Xi Jinping held talks with Serbian President Vučić at [[House of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia|House of the National Assembly]] in Belgrade.{{cite web | title=BIZTODAY Serbia-China Ties/Xi Visit | website=Longview News-Journal | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.news-journal.com/biztoday-serbia-china-ties-xi-visit/video_15f77116-3079-5480-bbc6-27ebe5cc52ba.html | access-date=2024-05-10}} They signed the Joint Declaration on Deepening and Upgrading the China-Serbia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a New Era China-Serbia Community of Destiny. The two heads of state also entered bilateral cooperation agreements on topics including joint construction of the [[Belt and Road Initiative]], [[green development]], [[digital economy]], [[e-commerce]], infrastructure, economic and technological development, information and communication, agriculture and food, and media.{{cite web | last=Chen | first=Alyssa | title=Xi Jinping hails 'new chapter' for China's relations with Serbia | website=South China Morning Post | date=2024-05-08 | url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261922/xi-jinping-hails-new-chapter-chinas-relations-serbia-belgrade-backs-his-global-vision | access-date=2024-05-10}} President Xi also expressed China's support for the Serbian side's efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Kosovo issue. President Vučić said that Serbia would continue to stand firmly with China on all issues related to China's core interests.{{cite web | last1=Stojanovic | first1=Dusan | last2=Gec | first2=Jovana | title=China and EU-candidate Serbia sign an agreement to build a 'shared future' | website=AP News | date=2024-05-08 | url=https://apnews.com/article/serbia-china-xi-jinping-visit-nato-e37b7ad0e89ac73b83e754142ce8e399 | access-date=2024-05-10}}
At noon, Vučić and Tamara hosted a welcome banquet for Xi and Peng at House of the National Assembly.{{cite web | last=Delauney | first=Guy | title=China's Xi Jinping gets red-carpet welcome in Serbia | website=BBC Home | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm54pp11x3go | access-date=2024-05-10}}{{cite news | last=Geslin | first=Laurent | title=Serbia opens its arms and economy to 'Brother Xi' | website=www.euractiv.com | date=2024-05-07 | url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/enlargement-neighbourhood/news/serbia-opens-its-arms-and-economy-to-brother-xi/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}
===Hungary ===
{{Main|China–Hungary relations}}
On the evening of May 8, Xi Jinping arrived in Budapest for a state visit to Hungary. At [[Ferenc Liszt International Airport]], [[Prime Minister of Hungary]] Viktor Orbán and his wife Anikó Lévai, [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Hungary)|Foreign Minister]] [[Péter Szijjártó]] and other senior government officials greeted Xi.{{citation | last=Grove | first=Thomas | title=习近平受到欧洲少有的亲中国家塞尔维亚和匈牙利的热烈欢迎 | url=https://cn.wsj.com/articles/%E4%B9%A0%E8%BF%91%E5%B9%B3%E5%8F%97%E5%88%B0%E6%AC%A7%E6%B4%B2%E5%B0%91%E6%9C%89%E7%9A%84%E4%BA%B2%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%AE%B6%E5%A1%9E%E5%B0%94%E7%BB%B4%E4%BA%9A%E5%92%8C%E5%8C%88%E7%89%99%E5%88%A9%E7%9A%84%E7%83%AD%E7%83%88%E6%AC%A2%E8%BF%8E-0c00ad60 | language=en-US | access-date=2024-05-10 | page=}}{{cite web | last=Anita Komuves | first=Boldizsar Gyori | title=China's Xi Jinping says China-Hungary relations an 'all-weather' strategic partnership | website=Reuters | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/chinas-xi-jinping-hungary-discuss-ukraine-infrastructure-2024-05-09/ | access-date=2024-05-10}} On the morning of May 9, Xi attended a welcoming ceremony jointly hosted by Hungarian President [[Tamás Sulyok]] and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Budapest.{{cite web | title=Hungary and China sign strategic co-operation agreement during Xi Jinping visit | website=Times and Star | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/national/24308980.hungary-china-sign-strategic-co-operation-agreement-xi-jinping-visit/ | access-date=2024-05-10}}
On the afternoon of May 9, Xi held talks with Orbán at the Prime Minister's Office in Budapest. The countries stated that they are satisfied with the Belt and Road Initiative and that China supports Hungary in playing a greater role within the EU on promoting China-EU relations.{{cite web |last=Szandelszky |first=Bela |date=May 10, 2024 |title=Hungary and China sign strategic cooperation agreement during visit by Chinese President Xi |url=https://apnews.com/article/chinas-xi-welcomed-hungary-talks-orban-0719880a351a5ef0763ae6a623a7798b |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[Associated Press]]}} The visit brought protests concerning [[human rights in Tibet]].{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Andrew |date=2024-05-09 |title=In Budapest, Xi Hails a 'Deep Friendship' With Hungary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/09/world/europe/xi-jinping-china-hungary-orban.html |access-date=2024-05-10 |work=[[The New York Times]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The two leaders announced that China-Hungary relations would be upgraded to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership.{{cite news |title=Xi Jinping upgrades China's ties with Hungary to 'all-weather' partnership |url=https://www.ft.com/content/563be6d0-ab62-47cc-9076-5dd20cac8cbd |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=[[Financial Times]]|date=9 May 2024 |last1=Kynge |first1=James |last2=Dunai |first2=Marton }}
On the evening of May 10, Xi Jinping took off from Budapest Airport back to Beijing, ending his trip to Europe.{{cite news |title=China's Xi leaves Hungary as he concludes a 5-day visit to Europe |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/chinas-xi-leaves-hungary-concludes-5-day-visit-110111359 |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}
==See also==
{{Portal|China|France|Serbia|Hungary|Politics}}
*[[Foreign policy of China]]
*[[Foreign relations of China]]
*[[Foreign relations of France]]
*[[Foreign relations of Serbia]]
*[[List of international trips made by Xi Jinping]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Xi Jinping}}
[[Category:2024 in international relations]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Europe]]
[[Category:Xi Jinping visits]]
[[Category:China–France relations]]
[[Category:China–Hungary relations]]
[[Category:China–Serbia relations]]
[[Category:May 2024 in France]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Hungary]]
[[Category:May 2024 in Serbia]]
