China’s Xi to visit France, Serbia and Hungary, aims to boost EU ties

“It is time to push the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France to a new level and give new impetus to the healthy development of China-EU relations, to make new contributions to world peace, stability, development and progress,” Lin said at a regular press conference.

“China looks forward to working with France to further enhance political mutual trust, solidarity and cooperation.”

Tit-for-tat trade disputes with the EU have soured relations as Paris backed a European Commission anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric vehicle imports.

China then launched an anti-dumping investigation into brandy, a move seen to be targeting France.

During his trip, Xi will also hold talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to exchange views on bilateral relations and discuss upgrading the China-Serbia relationship, Lin said.

Xi will also visit Hungary, a country Lin called an “important cooperation partner for China in promoting the Belt and Road initiative, and China and Central and Eastern European countries’ cooperation.”