SATV, Kathmandu, July. 30 - Standing in front of a humanoid robot performing tai chi at the Robot Mall at Beijing E-Town, Slovak President Peter Pellegrini did not just see a technological showcase. What he actually saw was a future where China and Slovakia might be able to cooperate.
"I think this would be something where I would focus on for the future – to combine technology from China and implementation programs in Slovakia," Pellegrini said, calling it "a wonderful synergy between technology and implementation."
These remarks echoed his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. Reaffirming political mutual trust, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, the digital economy and clean energy.
From assembly lines to high-tech frontiers
China is now Slovakia's largest trading partner outside the EU, with bilateral trade reaching $8.63 billion in 2025. The relationship has deep industrial roots. Chinese battery maker Gotion High-Tech has invested more than 1.2 billion euros (around $1.4 billion) in a Slovak plant, and Slovak wine and crystal have found steady demand in China, with Chinese smart vehicles and electronics moving the other way.
Both leaders emphasized the need to expand the scope of cooperation and tap into emerging growth drivers.
Xi called on the two countries to tap collaboration potential in emerging sectors and frontier fields, including clean energy, the digital economy, robotics and AI, to create new milestones in bilateral cooperation. Pellegrini echoed those priorities, expressing hopes for closer cooperation in the same sectors while welcoming more Chinese investment.
Jin Ling, director of the Department for Global Governance and International Organizations Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said the trade structure – still roughly half automotive – has room to diversify, and digital products and clean energy represent real growth potential for the next phase of China-Slovakia economic cooperation. "Cooperation between China and Slovakia demonstrates a successful transition from traditional industrial partnerships to high-tech, green innovation," she said.
A bridge for China-EU relations
The leaders' talks also highlighted Slovakia's role in promoting broader China-Europe engagement.
Xi said China has always viewed the EU as a partner and develops its ties with the EU with sincerity and goodwill, calling on Slovakia to play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady growth of China-EU relations.
Pellegrini said Slovakia is willing to actively promote cooperation between the EU and China and supports resolving differences through dialogue and consultation.
Wang Le, a researcher at the Center for European Studies at East China Normal University, said Slovakia represents "a pragmatic voice within the EU," one whose manufacturing base and export orientation make it a natural bridge for broader China-EU engagement, even as the two sides navigate friction over trade and industrial policy. In that sense, Pellegrini's visit carried a message beyond Beijing and Bratislava, but also to the broader China-Europe relationship.
Strategic trust lays foundation
Despite their vast geographical distance and different political systems, China and Slovakia have consistently anchored their ties in strong political mutual trust.
Xi said China stands ready to work with Slovakia to forge a strategic partnership of mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefit, and stability and resilience. Xi stressed that mutual respect for each other's development paths and a firm commitment to friendship and cooperation have been the foundation for the sound and rapid growth of China-Slovakia relations.
Pellegrini reaffirmed Slovakia's commitment to the one-China principle. He said Slovakia values its strategic partnership with China, and looks forward to enhancing mutual trust, strengthening cooperation and deepening bilateral friendship.
A Chinese expert Cui Hongjian said the political consensus reached by the two leaders reflects one of the defining strengths of China-Slovakia relations. Cui, a professor from the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said respect for each other's chosen development path has enabled the relationship to maintain steady growth, despite differences in political systems and national conditions.
Working together on global governance
Trust between the two countries has also provided a solid foundation for broader cooperation.
Xi said China and Slovakia should safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Pellegrini said Slovakia is willing to work with China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard the purposes of the UN Charter and international law, and promote regional and world peace and stability. In particular, he expressed alignment with China's global AI governance vision announced at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, stating Slovakia's commitment to close coordination with China to ensure AI technologies serve the broader benefit of humanity.
Professor Cui noted that Slovakia's positive response reflects growing international recognition of China's core vision for AI development and governance. "China advocates a vital balance between AI development and security, while championing mutual learning among civilizations and international cooperation," Cui emphasized. "This provides clear guidance for Slovakia to deepen AI cooperation with China, while offering a practical roadmap for global AI governance."
From a handshake in the Great Hall of the People to a conversation with a humanoid robot in Beijing, Pellegrini's visit reflects how China-Slovakia relations are evolving.
Political trust remains the foundation, with innovation becoming the new engine. And as both countries expand cooperation, the partnership is increasingly looking not only at today's opportunities, but at tomorrow's possibilities.
