Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on Monday, calling for a stronger strategic partnership and urging Slovakia to play a constructive role in fostering stable relations between China and the European Union amid ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges.
During the meeting in Beijing, Xi said Slovakia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, describing the bilateral relationship as one built on a deep and enduring friendship. He said Beijing is prepared to work with Bratislava to advance a strategic partnership founded on mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, stability and resilience.
According to Chinese state media, Xi stressed that strengthening cooperation between the two countries would bring tangible benefits to their peoples while contributing to broader regional and international stability. He highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, underscoring China’s commitment to maintaining long-term ties with Slovakia despite an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The Chinese leader also addressed Beijing’s relationship with the European Union, reiterating that China views the bloc as a partner rather than a rival. He said China remains committed to developing its ties with the EU in a spirit of sincerity and goodwill and expressed hope that Slovakia would help encourage Brussels to focus on areas of common interest while managing disagreements through dialogue.
Xi called on Slovakia to play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations, as tensions persist over trade, technology, industrial policy and broader geopolitical issues. Beijing has repeatedly advocated deeper engagement with European governments while opposing measures it considers protectionist or politically motivated.
The meeting comes at a time when China is seeking to reinforce its diplomatic outreach across Europe, particularly with Central and Eastern European nations, while working to prevent broader disputes with the European Union from undermining economic cooperation. Analysts say Beijing continues to prioritise stable ties with individual EU member states as part of its wider strategy to preserve trade links and maintain political dialogue with the bloc.
Although the discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and broader China-EU relations, the meeting also reflected China’s broader diplomatic effort to project itself as a reliable international partner at a time of heightened global uncertainty. Observers say the outcome of such engagements could influence future cooperation in trade, investment and regional connectivity as both China and European countries navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.
Beijing hopes for Slovakia’s cooperation to build a stable future for China-EU relations
