May 05, Kathmandu- Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Europe. He arrived in France on a state visit. This is the first visit of the Chinese president to Europe after five years. During this visit, he will visit Serbia and Hungary after France. Earlier, Xi visited Europe in 2019 during his visit to Italy.

He has reached France at a time when relations with Europe are strained. In this case, there is speculation that Xi will not get a warm welcome like last time. In the past few weeks, the European Union has started a trade investigation on Chinese wind turbines, while the purchase of medical equipment is also under investigation. While investigating the subsidy case, the authorities raided the offices of the Chinese security equipment manufacturer Noctech.

Germany and Britain have recently arrested or prosecuted at least six people for spying for China or being involved in crimes related to China. In March, Italy formally withdrew from China's Belt and Road Initiative. As the Ukrainian war continues, European countries are distancing themselves from China over their relationship with Russia.