Xi's Europe tour aims to drive wedge in region's hardening China stance

Leader urges shift from U.S.-led order as he visits France, Serbia and Hungary

French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Paris on May 6. © Reuters

YUKIO TAJIMA and MADOKA KITAMATSU, Nikkei staff writers

May 8, 2024 02:28 JST

BEIJING/PARIS -- Following a stop in France, Chinese President Xi Jinping is headed to Serbia and Hungary for the remainder of his European tour as he seeks to ease regional attitudes toward Beijing.

Xi, while meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, said their countries "should uphold independence and jointly prevent a new cold war or bloc confrontation," according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.