Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 1999 US bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, which killed three people. Serbian President Vucic praised China for standing by Serbia during the bombing, which was a part of a US-led NATO campaign targeting Serbian security forces in Kosovo. The United States later apologized for the bombing, attributing it to outdated maps leading the pilot to strike the wrong target. Xi warned that China would never allow such tragic history to repeat itself and highlighted China’s support for Serbia’s territorial claims over Kosovo.
The relationship between China and Serbia has been strengthened through mutual support for each other’s core interests, with China backing Serbia’s stance against Kosovo’s recognition at the United Nations. Xi emphasized China’s support for Serbia’s policy of acting independently and efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity on the Kosovo issue. The visit has significant implications for Serbia, with many in Belgrade welcoming Xi as the president of one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Xi’s visit to France and Hungary also drew attention, with discussions focusing on the conflict in Ukraine and global trade imbalances. European leaders urged Xi not to allow technology exports that could aid Russia in the conflict and emphasized the need for China to play a role in ending the war. Xi cautioned against Western attempts to smear China over the conflict and refuted accusations of Chinese overcapacity contributing to trade imbalances. Concerns have been raised about China’s neutral stance on the conflict, with some European allies suspecting Chinese support for Russia through investments in arms production.
In Hungary, China’s investments in battery and electric vehicle manufacturing plants have raised eyebrows, particularly as Prime Minister Orban has sought to de-risk relations with China, diverging from the European Union’s official position. The visit highlighted China’s growing influence in the region and its strategic partnerships with countries like Hungary. As tensions continue to escalate in Ukraine, the role of global powers like China in mediating the conflict and preventing further destabilization remains a topic of concern for European leaders. Xi’s discussions with European leaders underscored the complex dynamics at play in the region and the need for diplomatic efforts to address ongoing conflicts while maintaining global stability.
