In 1999, during NATO’s intervention over Kosovo, a missile strike in Belgrade was carried out by US jets, resulting in the bombing of the Chinese Embassy. Three Chinese nationals were killed, and 20 others were injured in the attack. The US claimed the attack was a mistake, apologizing and attributing it to an intelligence error. However, the incident has not been forgotten, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping referenced it during his recent visit to Serbia. Xi emphasized the importance of peace and preventing historical tragedies from reoccurring in his op-ed published in Serbia’s Politika newspaper.
The timing of Xi’s visit to Serbia is significant, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. This visit demonstrates the close relationship between China and Serbia, which has developed in the aftermath of the incident. China has become Serbia’s largest provider of foreign direct investment and its second-largest trading partner after the European Union. Despite the EU’s reservations, Serbia has strengthened its alliance with Beijing, welcoming Chinese investments in the country. The incident has played a role in shaping the diplomatic and economic ties between both nations.
The NATO air war in Kosovo was launched in March of 1999 to halt the atrocities being carried out by Yugoslav leader Slobodan Milošević against ethnic Albanian rebels. The bombing of the Chinese Embassy was a tragic mistake that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries. The incident strained relations between the US and China, but ultimately led to a closer bond between China and Serbia. China’s response to the attack was firm, emphasizing the importance of peace and preventing similar tragedies in the future. The incident has served as a catalyst for the strengthening of ties between China and Serbia.
Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia as part of his European tour is a testament to the growing relationship between the two nations. The visit comes at a time when China’s presence in the region is expanding, and Serbia is increasingly turning to Beijing for investments and partnerships. Xi’s acknowledgment of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy during NATO’s intervention over Kosovo reflects China’s commitment to peace and preventing historical tragedies. The incident has left a lasting impact on the diplomatic and economic ties between China and Serbia, shaping their relationship in the years following the attack. As Xi continues his tour in Hungary, the visit to Serbia serves as a reminder of the shared history and the importance of maintaining peace and cooperation between nations.
