Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
11 May 2024 | 15:38 SAST
2-minute read

President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to France, Hungary and Serbia is seen as a bid to navigate the escalating tensions between China and Europe.

Research Associate at the Centre for Global Dialogue Sanusha Naidu told Radio Islam International that the tensions centre around China’s growing political and economic dominance in the global arena.

“It kind borders on some of those tensions that we’ve seen that Western Europe has had particularly around how China positions itself in global affairs but also in terms of its rising global political power, but also its economic power, and of course the issues around, is China becoming too dominant in the global arena,” Naidu noted.

The trip, strategically timed amidst growing concerns over China’s relationship with Russia and trade dynamics, highlights Beijing’s efforts to strengthen ties with key allies.

Analysts view Xi’s visit as an opportunity to deepen relations with countries that align with China’s strategic objectives. Hungary, as a member of the European Union (EU), and Serbia, outside the EU, offer distinct perspectives and opportunities for China to foster closer partnerships.

Notably, the visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, a reminder of historical tensions in the region.

The backdrop of the visit includes disputes over trade, particularly in the sphere of electric vehicles. China’s burgeoning electric vehicle market faces resistance in Europe due to tariffs and concerns about market dominance.

Meanwhile, in Malaysia, the concept of “ape diplomacy,” emulating China’s “panda diplomacy,” represents Malaysia’s attempt to address deforestation worries by gifting great apes to European countries.

While this initiative mirrors China’s soft power strategy, it raises ethical concerns among animal rights activists.

In India, amidst the backdrop of a decade under Prime Minister Modi’s BJP government, young voters are requesting more job opportunities.

Despite promises of accelerated economic growth, the disconnect between rhetoric and reality has left many graduates unemployed and disillusioned.

Job creation thus emerges as an important issue in the Indian general elections, Naidu notes.

The Modi government’s ambitious infrastructure projects and manufacturing incentives face scrutiny as citizens demand tangible improvements in their livelihoods.

Listen to the Asia-Pacific Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.