Xi Urges Slovakia’s Fico to Champion China–EU Relations

Xi Urges Slovakia’s Fico to Champion China–EU Relations

LN24 / 23 seconds

September 4, 2025

3 min read

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his appreciation for Slovakia’s steadfast friendship with China, urging Prime Minister Robert Fico to bolster Beijing’s engagement with the broader European Union.
During a meeting in Beijing following a high profile military parade Xi praised Slovakia for its “adherence” to cordial ties with China and called on Bratislava to play a “positive” role in strengthening China–EU relations.
Why This Matters

EU Trade Tensions: China has been facing tariffs on its electric vehicles imposed by the EU over allegations of unfair competition. Slovakia was among only five EU countries that opposed implementing these measures. Xi hopes Slovakia continues to advocate for more pragmatic EU–China engagement.

Strategic Partnership in Fast Lane: Slovak,Chinese relations have deepened notably. Only last year, the two countries elevated ties to a strategic partnership. Fico aims to fast track economic cooperation, though Slovakia is still trailing neighboring Hungary in securing Chinese investments.

Slovakia’s Foreign Policy Balancing Act: Fico’s government is carving out a distinct path within the EU. While maintaining close ties with China and Russia, he has expressed interest in normalizing relations with Moscow despite broader EU sanctions stemming from Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He is also slated to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later this week.

Background & Historical Context

Deepening Ties: The relationship has grown from roots established after Slovakia’s independence in 1993, building through trade, culture, and diplomacy. Last year, Xi elevated the bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, charting out plans for enhanced cooperation in areas like energy, transport, and infrastructure, while fostering people to people exchanges via platforms like the Belt and Road Initiative and Confucius Institutes. He also welcomed Slovakia as guest of honor at the China–Central and Eastern European Countries Expo.

Promoting EU Engagement: Xi has repeatedly emphasized that a healthy and stable EU–China relationship serves mutual interests and called on EU institutions to adopt a pragmatic, active engagement with China, managing differences without politicizing economic issues.

What’s Next

Investment Push: Slovakia is eager to translate its strategic partnership into tangible gains, especially in attracting Chinese investment for industrial growth.

Diplomatic Tightrope: Fico’s meetings this week with Putin, Xi, and Zelenskiy highlight his country’s position as a potential bridge between East and West. How he balances relations with Russia, the EU, and Ukraine will be closely watched.

EU Dynamics: Slovakia’s supportive stance on China may pressure other EU states to reassess hardline stances amid political and economic shifts.