Serbia rolled out the red carpet, quite literally, to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping to Belgrade, showcasing the deepening ties between the two nations despite ongoing negotiations for Serbia’s accession to the European Union.
The capital city of Belgrade was adorned with Chinese flags, billboards promoting Chinese businesses, and even a tower draped in China’s national colors to mark Xi Jinping’s visit. This display of solidarity underscores Serbia’s commitment to its “ironclad friendship” with China, which has intensified in recent years.
Xi’s visit to Serbia carries symbolic significance, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the US airstrikes on China’s embassy in Belgrade. The Chinese president used this opportunity to emphasize his country’s stance on peace and sovereignty, resonating with Serbia’s population, which remains wary of NATO membership.
Commercial interests also drive the burgeoning relationship between China and Serbia, with significant investments and trade agreements between the two nations. Chinese companies, such as Hisense and Zijin, have made substantial contributions to Serbia’s economy, particularly in infrastructure development.
Serbia’s strategic location in Europe makes it an attractive partner for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, evidenced by ongoing projects like the Belgrade-Budapest railway. Chinese investments in Serbia’s infrastructure sector are expected to expand further, solidifying bilateral cooperation.
President Aleksandar Vucic’s gesture of serving Serbian wine to Xi Jinping reflects the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Serbia’s wine industry stands to benefit from reduced tariffs in China, presenting new opportunities for growth and trade.
Xi’s visit to Belgrade follows his trip to France, where he engaged in discussions with President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The subsequent stop in Budapest underscores Hungary’s alignment with China, particularly in resisting EU policies on various fronts.
Xi Jinping’s tour of Europe highlights China’s growing influence in the region and its strategic partnerships with countries like Serbia and Hungary, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes with Western powers.