Xi JInping in Europe – notes from the future
Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on Saturday morning after state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary. Wang Yi noted that it was a visit of friendship, enhancing mutual trust, boost confidence and here is the kicker: CHART THE COURSE FOR THE FUTURE.
After that, the work of the work takes almost a smaller importance, yet it forms the building blocks of the course for the future. One has to wonder what roles are envisaged for these three countries, Serbia most certainly has an inkling.
What was accomplished over these five days and six nights given that we know most of the work was done in advance? There was a spate of political, economic, and cultural activities and Xi Jinping was welcomed effusively. (For me, watching, I almost sensed a feeling of ‘we’ll sing and dance and entertain you excellently, but please help us!)
France: uphold independence and jointly prevent a new Cold War or bloc confrontation; adhere to mutual understanding and jointly promote harmonious coexistence ; commit to proceeding from a long-term perspective to jointly push for an equal and orderly multipolar world; and uphold mutual benefit while jointly opposing “de-coupling.”
What’s not to like? I’m not so sure of Macron will see this but it is so stated.
Serbia; President Xi and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic agreed to form a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era, and Xi also announced China’s initial practical measures to support the building of the community.
Please note this remark which is of great importance. Here China is bringing Serbia into the new world community as almost the spearhead on the side of the Balkans (oh I know we can dicker if Serbia is Balkan or not).
Noting the decision marks a breakthrough in the building of a community with a shared future in Europe, Wang Yi said it will surely become a new milestone in the history of China-Serbia relations and help the two countries speed up their respective modernization process.
Hungary surprised me. The work of establishing
a China-Hungary all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era to inject new and strong impetus into bilateral cooperation, and Hungary is welcomed to be China’s companion on its path to Chinese modernization.
It is verbalized as writing a new story, starting a new chapter!
Those are they key take-aways for the countries. There was so much more.
Xi said France that there is no fundamental conflict of interest between China and the EU. (Hear the man! Ursula von der Leyen.) Let us be committed partners and the concept of of overcapacity does not exist.
On the Ukraine crisis, Xi clarified that China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to it, but rather, China has been working vigorously to facilitate talks for peace since the conflict first broke out.
China and France agreed to treat the Paris Olympic Games as an opportunity to advocate for a global ceasefire and cessation of hostilities during the Games, to speak out for the peaceful settlement of hotspot issues, and to contribute to the construction of a world of lasting peace and universal security.
On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Xi said China supports the convening of a more broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference as soon as possible to promote the comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question at an early date.
There was a spate of sarcastic reporting in Western climes, but in the East everybody that is somebody reported, analized and commented. This was a big deal, we may as well accept that fact. Xi is a phenomenon like Putin is.
