Xi, Slovak President Pellegrini Pledge Deeper Strategic Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Beijing on July 28, as the two nations moved to deepen their strategic partnership and expand cooperation in emerging technologies, state media reported.
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, marked Pellegrini’s first state visit to China since assuming office in June 2024. The visit carries particular significance amid ongoing shifts in EU-China relations, with Slovakia positioning itself as a constructive bridge between Beijing and Brussels.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Xi noted that Slovakia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, describing the bilateral relationship as having “deep roots and luxuriant leaves.” Relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2024, a milestone both leaders sought to build upon.
According to Xinhua News, Xi emphasized that despite differing political systems, mutual respect for each other’s development paths has been the foundation for healthy and rapid bilateral progress. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also participated in the proceedings.
People’s Daily reported that Xi outlined four priority areas for deeper cooperation: consolidating strategic trust, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, enhancing people-to-people ties, and defending international fairness and justice.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
A key theme of the discussions was cooperation in emerging industries. Xi called for tapping potential in clean energy, digital economy, robotics, and artificial intelligence, urging both sides to “create more new highlights of cooperation.”
Pellegrini acknowledged China’s technological transformation, stating: “China is no longer a country that merely copies; on the contrary, today it sets global trends in fields ranging from space research to robotics,” as reported by TASR, the Slovak News Agency.
The Slovak president noted that Education Minister Tomas Drucker had been designated to visit China for research cooperation, signaling concrete follow-up steps in academic and technological collaboration.
Slovakia’s Role in EU-China Relations
The meeting carried significant geopolitical weight. As EU-China relations face tensions over tariffs, technology restrictions, and supply chain concerns, Pellegrini positioned Slovakia as a voice for dialogue and negotiation within European councils.
“I will advocate at the European table the view that we should seek solutions to this situation through negotiations and round-table dialogue so that we can secure better and fairer access to Chinese markets not only for Slovak but also for other European manufacturers, thereby gradually reducing the trade deficit,” Pellegrini said.
Xi reaffirmed that China regards the EU as a partner and expressed hope that Slovakia would play a constructive role in fostering healthy EU-China relations. As Anadolu Ajansi reported, Xi stated that China is “committed to developing relations with the EU with sincerity and goodwill.” He added that the key to turning challenges into opportunities lies in “equal consultation and seeking common ground while reserving differences.”
Trade and Economic Dimensions
Bilateral trade between China and Slovakia reached approximately $8.6 billion in 2025, with Chinese exports totaling $4.39 billion and imports from Slovakia at $4.24 billion, according to data cited by CGTN. The trade deficit was a notable point of discussion, with Pellegrini emphasizing the need for fairer market access for Slovak and European manufacturers.
Pellegrini also welcomed Chinese investment in Slovakia, particularly in sectors where both countries see mutual benefit.
Ceremonial Welcome
Prior to their talks, Xi hosted a formal welcome ceremony for Pellegrini at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. The ceremony featured a military guard of honor, national anthems, a 21-gun salute at Tiananmen Square, and a military parade. A welcome banquet was held at the Golden Hall later that day, underscoring the diplomatic significance accorded to the visit.
On the broader geopolitical stage, both leaders expressed shared commitment to peaceful resolution of armed conflicts. Pellegrini stated that “the only possible way to defuse the situation is to strive for dialogue as soon as possible, to halt the fighting and to seek a peaceful solution.”
Forward Look
The visit signals a continued strengthening of China-Slovakia relations and underscores Slovakia’s ambition to serve as a diplomatic bridge between China and the European Union. As Pellegrini’s three-day state visit concludes, both sides are expected to pursue concrete follow-ups in trade, technology, and education cooperation.
The broader implications extend beyond bilateral ties: Slovakia’s advocacy for dialogue over confrontation within EU councils could influence how the bloc navigates its complex relationship with China in the years ahead.