During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Serbian capital, streets were adorned with Chinese flags, celebrating the warm friendship between the two countries. This visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, which claimed three lives. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted the solidarity shown by China during the bombing period, emphasizing the strong bond between the two nations.
The US-led NATO campaign targeted Serbian security forces during the Kosovo conflict, leading to the accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy. The United States later apologized for the mistake, attributing it to outdated maps. Xi Jinping condemned the incident in a newspaper article, vowing to prevent such tragic events from recurring. China and Serbia have a history of mutual support for each other’s territorial claims, with Beijing backing Serbia in the Kosovo issue and the latter recognizing China’s stance on Taiwan.
Xi’s visit to Serbia holds significant importance for the country, according to political sciences professor Marko Tmusic. Many in Belgrade welcomed the visit, viewing it as a positive step in building stronger ties with one of the world’s leading nations. Meanwhile, in France, Xi met with President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who urged China to refrain from exporting technology that could aid Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Xi dismissed Western accusations against China regarding the conflict in Ukraine, cautioning against smearing the country’s reputation. Concerns have been raised about China’s potential support for Russia, with reports suggesting Chinese machine tools are being used in Russia’s arms production. In Hungary, China’s investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing plants have raised eyebrows, especially as Prime Minister Viktor Orban has pursued closer ties with China against the EU’s official position.
As Xi continues his diplomatic tour, the focus remains on China’s stance on global conflicts and its investments in strategic regions. The visit to Serbia highlights the enduring friendship between the two nations despite historical tensions. With China’s influence expanding in Europe through trade agreements and investments, the region’s leaders must navigate the delicate balance between advancing economic interests and upholding international norms.
