Persecution of Christians

President Xi Jinping vowed to deepen already flourishing economic ties with Hungary during a visit to Budapest on Thursday, advocating that its closest European Union ally "play a bigger role" in fostering relations between Beijing and the bloc.

The state visit to Hungary is the final leg of Xi's first European tour since 2019 that led him to France and Serbia earlier this week.

China and European Union candidate Serbia signed an agreement on Wednesday to build a "shared future," making the Balkan country the first in Europe to agree on such a document with Beijing.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic reaffirmed his strong support for China's sovereignty over Taiwan on Wednesday as he gave a lavish welcome to President Xi Jinping, who is seeking to deepen political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

The Serbian capital of Belgrade welcomes a significant diplomatic guest as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for a pivotal visit, marking the second leg of his European tour.

BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Tuesday Chinese President Xi Jinping's two-day state visit to Serbia would be historic and a great honour to the country.

PARIS - On his first visit to Europe in five years, Chinese President Xi Jinping appears intent on seizing opportunities to loosen the continent's bonds with the United States and forge a world freed of American dominance.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is embarking on a six-day tour of Europe amidst escalating trade tensions with the European Union and concerns over China's support for Russia. The trip, Xi's first to the continent since 2019, includes visits to France, Serbia, and Hungary.

BEIJING - Serbia is China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe and the two countries maintain an iron-clad friendship, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia on May 7-8.

One in seven Christians around the world (14%) is persecuted

In the realm of Chinese politics, Chairman Xi Jinping has long been viewed as an indomitable force, steering the nation with an iron grip. However, recent events suggest cracks in his formidable facade as mounting setbacks challenge his once-unassailable position.