Key facts
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated his hope for Slovakia's constructive role in EU-China relations.
- China is offering cooperation in artificial intelligence and robotics to Slovakia.
- The outreach occurs against a backdrop of rising trade tensions between China and the European Union.
China is seeking to leverage its relationship with Slovakia to foster better ties with the European Union, according to state media reports. President Xi Jinping has indicated his desire for Slovakia to play a constructive role in EU-China relations.
This diplomatic overture coincides with China's efforts to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence and robotics with Slovakia. The move comes at a time of increasing trade friction between China and the broader European Union, suggesting Beijing's strategy to engage individual member states to navigate these challenges.