Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit France, Serbia, and Hungary from May 5 to 10 to bolster ties with these European countries.

The visits are set to reinvigorate China's relations with the European Union and celebrate significant anniversaries of diplomatic relations with France and Hungary.

In France, discussions will focus on enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and economic cooperation, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties.

Xi's visit to Serbia aims to deepen the 'ironclad friendship' and pragmatic cooperation, while in Hungary, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties will be marked with efforts to advance Belt and Road cooperation.

The tour comes amidst heightened tensions between China and Europe due to differing stances on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, indicating potential for tough conversations on geopolitical issues.

Xi's European visits are anticipated to be a balancing act of addressing global challenges, promoting economic collaboration, and navigating complex China-Europe relations, all under the watchful eye of the United States.