• Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Serbia and Hungary in May 2024, marking significant milestones in China’s relations with the two countries.
  • Serbian President Vucic declared support for China’s territorial integrity, stating that Taiwan is part of China, and the two countries upgraded their relationship to a “community of shared future in the new era” with Chinese support for Serbia. (news.yahoo.com)
  • China and Serbia signed an agreement to build a “shared future,” making Serbia the first in Europe to have such an agreement with Beijing. (chinadaily.com.cn, thehindu.com)
  • Serbia maintains a close friendship with China, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its involvement in China’s Belt and Road initiative could impact its EU aspirations. (chinadaily.com.cn, thehindu.com)
  • Serbia has received significant Chinese investments and infrastructure projects but is burdened with a large debt to China. In 2022, Serbia became the first European country to adopt a Chinese-made air defense system, showcasing China’s expanding global influence. (news.yahoo.com)
  • China’s increasing influence in Serbia, with substantial investments in mines, factories, roads, bridges, and new facilities, solidifies its economic presence and enhances infrastructure and trade relations. (balkans.aljazeera.net, english.aawsat.com)
  • Serbia’s balancing act between the EU, Russia, China, and the U.S. may become unsustainable in the evolving global landscape, as its Western partners view the country as a key Chinese hub at the entrance to the EU. (balkans.aljazeera.net, english.aawsat.com)
  • In Hungary, Xi was welcomed with a military ceremony in the Lion Courtyard of Buda Castle, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Hungary. (kemma.hu, boon.hu, sonline.hu, baon.hu, bama.hu, beol.hu, parameter.sk, teol.hu, zaol.hu, delmagyar.hu, kisalfold.hu, szon.hu)
  • China and Hungary have a close relationship, with increased trade, Chinese investment, and growing cultural and educational exchanges. Hungary’s upcoming presidency on the Council of the European Union is expected to contribute to China-EU relations. (chinadaily.com.cn, asia.nikkei.com)
  • China’s investment in Hungarian battery and electric vehicle production is significant, with Chinese companies building battery and EV plants in Hungary to save on shipping costs and potentially help navigate EU protectionist plans. (uk.investing.com)
  • Hungary’s “opening to the East” policy has resulted in a significant increase in trade with China, and Hungary has become China’s largest trading partner outside of Europe, with substantial Chinese investment creating jobs in Hungary. (chinadaily.com.cn)
  • Xi’s visit to Serbia and Hungary, viewed as ‘marginalized countries’ by some, reflects China’s alignment with these countries on territorial claims, including Kosovo and Taiwan issues, and shared interests. (news.yahoo.com, foreignpolicy.com)

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