FM spokesman on Xi's upcoming state visits to France, Serbia, Hungary

President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary will have a far-reaching influence on boosting China's relations with the three European nations and building China-EU ties, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

At the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of France, President Aleksandar Vucic of the Republic of Serbia, and President Tamas Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary, Xi will pay state visits to France, Serbia and Hungary from May 5 to 10, according to the ministry on Monday.

"France is the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level with the People's Republic of China. Our relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. During the visit, President Xi will hold talks with President Macron to have in-depth exchange of views on China-France relations, China-EU relations and international and regional hotspot issues of mutual interest. The two presidents will also hold events somewhere other than Paris. The visit will be President Xi's second state visit to France after five years and take place during the 60th anniversary year of China-France diplomatic ties, which gives the visit special meaning as an important opportunity to build on past achievements and guide the future for bilateral ties," spokesman Lin Jian said.

China looks forward to working with France through this visit to carry forward good tradition, embrace the future, and further enhance political mutual trust, solidarity and cooperation, so that the two countries can jointly elevate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, inject impetus to a sound and stable China-EU relationship, and make new contributions to global peace, stability, and development, the spokesman added.

"Serbia is China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Our two countries have nurtured an iron-clad friendship. During the visit, President Xi will hold talks with President Vucic for in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest. They will discuss an upgrade of the China-Serbia relationship and chart the future course for bilateral relations. President Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia will be his second visit to the country in eight years, which will mark an important milestone for strengthening and elevating China-Serbia ties," Lin said.

China looks forward to working with Serbia and taking this visit as an opportunity to further cement iron-clad friendship, deepen political mutual trust and expand practical cooperation to open a new historic chapter for bilateral relations and make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind, Lin added.

"Hungary is an important country in Central and Eastern Europe and China's important partner in Belt and Road cooperation and China-Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) cooperation. During the visit, President Xi Jinping will meet with President Tamas Sulyok and hold talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orban to have in-depth exchange of views on China-Hungary relations and issues of mutual interest. This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-Hungary diplomatic ties. This milestone visit will elevate bilateral relations to a new height, open a new chapter in China-Hungary friendship and cooperation, inject impetus to China-EU relations and provide elements of stability and positive energy to a turbulent world," Lin said.

FM spokesman on Xi's upcoming state visits to France, Serbia, Hungary

Business leaders and former officials from China and the UK kicked off a new dialogue in Beijing on Thursday, exploring ways to strengthen economic ties and collaborate in cutting-edge sectors including green technologies, new energy solutions, and digital innovation.

Participants from both nations, representing major global economies and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, highlighted the vast potential for economic and trade collaboration. They called for enhanced cooperation across various sectors to tackle significant global and bilateral challenges.

The event titled "First UK-China CEO and Former Senior Officials' Dialogue" cast the spotlight on cooperation in emerging sectors. Potential collaboration areas include green technologies, new energy, digital technology, cross-border data flows, and artificial intelligence.

Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council, emphasized the importance of bilateral trade and investment flows.

"There is a whole range of bilateral fields as trade and investment flows between the two countries, which are terribly important. China is now Britain's second largest economic partner. It matters for both our countries, for both our peoples," said Cowper-Coles.

"Whatever the noises of the cross currents, the fundamentals are that China matters more economically to the UK than it has ever done. Our trade is now at record levels in history, north of a 100 billion pounds a year, which is enormous. So, I think the fundamentals are very encouraging," he added.

Gordon Orr, vice chair of the China-Britain Business Council, commented on the progress and deepening relations between the two nations.

"The process is getting more stable and the understanding is improving. And there are clear opportunities to leverage the advantages in new productive forces to the benefit of both economies in health care, in green society, in climate control and the like," said Orr.

Inaugural China-UK dialogue paves way for collaboration in new technologies