A Chinese billionaire is helping Xi make useful friends in Eastern Europe.

The high-speed train departs from the new glass station in Belgrade at 10 AM and arrives in the northern city of Novi Sad in thirty-six minutes, marking the first completed section of the 350-kilometer upgrade to Budapest, Hungary. This railway route, built by China, symbolizes Serbia's aspiration for European modernity, as well as political support from Beijing amid strategic tensions with Brussels and Berlin.

From battery manufacturing plants in Hungary to copper mines in Serbia, direct Chinese investments in these two countries exceed $15 billion. A new high-speed railway line will be announced by President Xi Jinping during his trip to Europe this week, including stops in Belgrade, Budapest, and Paris.

The infrastructure project not only brings economic benefits to both countries, but also demonstrates the advantages of cooperation with China.

The continuation of this Chinese influence in Hungary and Serbia has opened the door to new investments, strengthening their position in the region and raising concerns from the West. The main thing is for these countries to remain independent and uphold their European values, without losing control over Chinese influence.