Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to visit France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5 to 10, his first European tour in nearly five years.

The trip aims to bolster China-Europe relations, focusing on bilateral cooperation, global stability, and development.

In France, the visit will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations and emphasize the growth in trade, cultural exchanges, and heritage restoration cooperation.

Xi's visit to Serbia aims to strengthen the 'ironclad' friendship, highlighting Belt and Road successes and mutual support.

In Hungary, the visit will focus on enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and aligning China's Belt and Road Initiative with Hungary's 'Opening to the East' policy.

The European tour occurs amid heightened US-China tensions and Europe's uncertainty on handling the geopolitical rivalry.

President Macron intends to leverage his meeting with Xi to influence Russia's actions in Ukraine.

The EU is increasingly wary of China's economic practices and potential security threats, leading to a more unified stance against China.

Xi's European engagements reflect the complex dynamics of international diplomacy in a world with competing power structures.