The recent European tour of Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平), conducted from May 5 to Friday last week, has garnered notable interest amid geopolitical changes and economic uncertainties. Xi’s visit to the continent, his first in five years, demonstrates the changing dynamics of China’s engagement with European countries, particularly in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and ongoing global tensions.
Xi’s travel plans notably omitted Italy, the sole European G7 nation that had previously signed up to the BRI, before formally withdrawing in December last year. This decision indicates a waning European enthusiasm toward China’s expansive economic project. Instead, Xi traveled to Hungary and Serbia, both of which are smaller European economies that heavily rely on Chinese investments. Hungary took the lead among EU members by becoming the first to join the initiative, with China becoming its top investor.
These selections reflect a nuanced approach from Beijing, aiming to strengthen its influence in smaller, strategically positioned nations amid increasing skepticism from larger EU powers. The exclusion of Italy from Xi’s itinerary is particularly significant, suggesting a re-evaluation of China’s approach toward Europe, possibly due to the mixed outcomes of its investments and partnership agreements in larger economies.
France played a crucial part in Xi’s European tour. The importance of this visit cannot be overstated, especially given French President Emmanuel Macron’s vocal advocacy of European “strategic autonomy.” Macron’s position, articulated in his address at Sorbonne University on April 25, positions Europe as a counterweight rather than subservient to US influence. This aligns well with China’s aspiration to promote a multipolar world, which would enhance its global influence.
The discussions between Xi and Macron likely centered on deepening economic relations and political collaboration, with both leaders eyeing mutual advantages.
With Macron midway through his final term as president, his eagerness to assert France — and by extension, Europe — as a significant global actor aligns neatly with China’s strategy to exploit European divisions for its geopolitical interests.
This summer’s Paris Olympics present a distinctive diplomatic platform for Macron, who intends to use the event as a stage to advocate for a global ceasefire — notably amid ongoing conflicts such as between Russia and Ukraine — which underscores his broader ambitions on the global stage. The symbolic weight of an Olympic ceasefire, combined with the presence of international leaders at the Games, could provide Macron with the leverage necessary to facilitate peace initiatives, or at least bring them to the forefront of global discourse.
China’s role in this context is crucial. As a significant player in international sports and a key influencer of global politics, China’s endorsement of, or participation in, such initiatives could determine whether they are successful. Additionally, the joint statement by Xi and Macron condemning violence in global conflict zones hints at a potential collaborative stance during the Olympics.
The visit also sheds light on broader strategic concerns within Europe. Europe finds itself in a delicate position as US-China competition intensifies, balancing its strategic autonomy with economic and security interests. Macron’s vision of Europe, which involves economic engagement with China and maintaining security ties with the US, captures this dilemma perfectly.
Nonetheless, there is still uncertainty surrounding the feasibility of this delicate balancing act. Europe’s internal divisions, economic dependencies and the geopolitical landscape make it challenging to pursue a cohesive strategy. The position of other European countries, especially Germany, would play a crucial role in determining Europe’s strategy toward China and the US.
Xi’s visit to Europe reflects broader changes in the global distribution of power. China’s strategic realignment in Europe involves prioritizing smaller, investment-hungry nations and maintaining crucial relations with key players such as France.
For Europe, and particularly for Macron, the visit and subsequent developments present an opportunity to redefine Europe’s role on the global stage, balancing between major powers while striving to carve out a space for strategic autonomy.
The unfolding events have deep implications for global politics. The strategies adopted by China and the responses from European nations would not only shape their bilateral relations, but also influence the broader international order in the years ahead.
Meng Chih-cheng is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at National Cheng Kung University.
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