Tyre and automotive investments key to China’s Ironclad friendship with Eastern Europe

When Chinese premiere Xi Jinping landed in Belgrade on 7 May 2024, the Serbian government literally rolled out the red carpet. As well as providing security, the president Xi’s escort of MIG-29 fighter jets was another way of honouring what has become known as the ”ironclad friendship” between the countries. After Serbia, Hungary is the next stop on president Xi’s tour of Eastern Europe. Since both countries have also become home to significant tyre and automotive manufacturing investments in recent years, it appears that the influence of China and Chinese companies in Eastern Europe is growing.