Xi Jinping urges Slovakia to strengthen dialogue between China and the European Union

Tuesday 28 July 2026 - 07:00

By: Sahili Aya

Xi Jinping urges Slovakia to strengthen dialogue between China and the European Union

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Slovakia to play a constructive role in advancing relations between China and the European Union, emphasizing dialogue, mutual respect and pragmatic cooperation during talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Beijing.

The meeting took place as Pellegrini began a three-day state visit to China, highlighting continued diplomatic engagement between Beijing and European capitals amid a complex geopolitical landscape.

Focus on dialogue and cooperation

According to China's state news agency Xinhua, Xi stressed that differences between China and the European Union should be addressed through consultation based on equality and mutual understanding.

He encouraged both sides to seek common interests while managing disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation, presenting cooperation as the preferred path for maintaining stable bilateral relations.

The remarks reflect Beijing's broader effort to preserve economic and diplomatic ties with Europe despite ongoing tensions over trade, technology and strategic policy.

Slovakia's role within the European Union

As a member of the European Union, Slovakia occupies a strategic position in discussions involving the bloc's relationship with China.

Xi expressed hope that Bratislava would contribute positively to the development of EU-China ties by encouraging constructive engagement and balanced communication.

The meeting underscored China's interest in maintaining close relations with individual European member states while continuing broader dialogue with EU institutions.

EU-China relations remain strategically important

Economic cooperation between China and the European Union remains significant despite increasing disagreements over issues including trade practices, industrial policy and security.

Both sides continue to maintain extensive commercial exchanges while seeking ways to manage political differences without undermining long-term economic cooperation.

The discussions in Beijing illustrate ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve channels of communication at a time when global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve.

Diplomatic engagement amid global uncertainty

Pellegrini's visit reflects continued high-level contacts between China and European leaders as governments seek to balance economic interests with broader strategic considerations.

Xi's call for consultation and consensus signals Beijing's intention to promote dialogue as the foundation for future cooperation with both Slovakia and the European Union.