Belgrade, Serbia – Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia holds significant historical context as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo. The bombing, which occurred on May 7, 1999, resulted in the tragic deaths of three Chinese nationals and strained relations between the two nations ever since.
Xi Jinping acknowledged the tragic event in an op-ed published in Serbia’s Politika newspaper, emphasizing the importance of valuing peace while ensuring that historical tragedies do not recur. The bombing took place during NATO’s air campaign to halt Slobodan Milosevic’s brutal actions against ethnic Albanian rebels in Kosovo.
Despite the U.S. issuing an apology and attributing the bombing to faulty intelligence, the incident continues to evoke strong emotions and suspicions in China. The aftermath of the bombing saw angry protests and heightened anti-American sentiments in China, sparking a long-lasting sense of mistrust.
While the embassy bombing strained U.S.-China relations, it paradoxically strengthened ties between China and Serbia. China has become Serbia’s leading source of foreign direct investment, solidifying its position as the country’s second-largest trading partner after the European Union. Moreover, China’s support for Serbia’s stance on Kosovo independence has fostered a close and strategic alliance between the two nations.
Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia underscored the enduring bond between the two countries, emphasizing a shared commitment to mutual development and collaboration. The presence of Chinese flags and military escorts during Xi’s visit showcased the growing influence of China in Serbia and across Europe.
During his visit, Xi Jinping is expected to pay respects at the site of the former embassy, now home to a Chinese cultural center symbolizing the expanding influence of China in the region. The peaceful gestures of Chinese visitors honoring the victims of the 1999 bombing highlight the significance of commemorating shared history and preserving peace.
As Xi Jinping embarks on his first European tour in five years, his visit to Serbia serves as a pivotal moment to reinforce bilateral relations and cooperation in the face of past challenges. The visit not only marks a historic milestone in Sino-Serbian relations but also signifies China’s growing presence and influence in the region.