Xi's European visit heralds new era of ties

Significance of trips to France, Serbia and Hungary goes beyond bilateral level

President Xi Jinping's six-day trip to Europe has opened new chapters of relationships with China's key partners, and the visit heralds a new era of ties with Europe through enhanced solidarity, mutual trust and confidence, according to senior diplomats and analysts.

Xi's recently concluded tour of France, Serbia and Hungary, which included over 30 diplomatic engagements with leaders of the three countries between May 5 and 10, was a resounding success, with implications and significance far beyond the bilateral level, they said.

In France, the president's visit set the stage for reaffirming a longstanding partnership.