Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Monaco on Sunday to gain support for the country's Belt and Road initiative and to appease the concerns of European nations on the use of Chinese technology in their network development. The President's visit is timely to growing concern in the European continent over the claims that Chinese technology uses backdoor software that transmits confidential trade and security data back to the Chinese government.
Concern's about Chinese firms emerged following the allegations of the United States that Huawei and other Chinese firms commit espionage against nations that use their technology. China defended Huawei saying that the allegations are desperate moves to eliminate an aggressive competitor. Huawei is the world's largest developer of the 5G network.
Europe's stand on Chinese firms is divided. Some nations believe that the risks brought by Chinese firms in terms of security are manageable with proper partnership policies. Last month, Huawei announced that they will construct a data transparency center in Europe to answer the security issues that they are hammered with.
The president's visit in Monaco is a part of its European tour as he meets with leaders to settle differences in many topics. The president was welcomed by Monaco's Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. His stay in Monaco markets the first visit of a Chinese president to the principality. The Chinese leader arrived in Monaco with her wife Peng Liyuan. According to the palace, Monaco is interested in increased trade and economic cooperation with China and to boost China's image in the continent.
Last year, the country made a deal with Huawei to develop its 5G telecommunications network. Other European nations criticized the city-state for the agreement. Marc Bonafede, the owner of Castelroc restaurant in front of the palace, said that it's the first time they've seen that stores are closed, windows shuttered, no one in the street. He also added that he hadn't seen such heavy security even when Albert buried his father, Prince Rainier, or held his royal wedding to Charlene.
During the visit, the country banned all flights in its airspace. The president visited the French city of Nice where he stayed overnight. The Chinese president spent his dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday night. The two leaders discussed their economic policies during their official meeting. The French leader is known to forge a united European front to contend China's advances. Macron said on his tweet that they are very happy to welcome President Xi Jinping and his wife to France.
