Belgrade, Serbia – Belgrade, the vibrant capital city of Serbia, is adorned with red flags from the airport to the city center in honor of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit. The longstanding friendship between Serbia and China was on display as President Aleksandar Vucic warmly welcomed his Chinese counterpart, emphasizing the strong ties between the two nations.
Throughout Europe, Xi’s visit to Serbia may have raised eyebrows, as it is not often that a country like Serbia finds itself as a key stop on an international leader’s tour. Despite ongoing negotiations to join the European Union, Serbia has been actively strengthening its relationship with China in recent years, solidifying economic partnerships and mutual cooperation initiatives.
During his visit, President Xi is expected to address his criticisms of NATO, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the US airstrikes on China’s embassy in Belgrade. The sensitive history fuels anti-NATO sentiments in Serbia, where the majority of the population opposes NATO membership. This shared stance on global politics further cements the significance of Xi’s visit to the country.
Commercial collaborations between China and Serbia have flourished, with a free trade agreement signed last year and Chinese investments making a notable impact on Serbia’s economic landscape. Chinese companies like Hisense, Zijin, and Linglong have contributed significantly to Serbia’s economy, highlighting China’s growing influence in the region.
One of the prominent projects under this partnership is the reconstruction of the Belgrade-Budapest railway with Chinese expertise and financing, demonstrating a strong commitment to infrastructure development in Serbia. The Chinese investments in Serbia show great potential for growth and further collaborations in areas such as transportation, energy, and technology.
In addition to economic ties, cultural exchanges are also flourishing between China and Serbia. President Vucic’s plan to serve his finest wines to President Xi during a banquet symbolizes the warmth and hospitality extended to the Chinese delegation, showcasing Serbia’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
As President Xi continues his European tour with stops in France and Hungary, his visit to Serbia underlines the multifaceted nature of China’s foreign relations strategy. The strategic alliances and economic partnerships forged during these visits reflect a shifting global landscape where countries like China are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping international affairs.