Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited Serbia on the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO’s air war over Kosovo, which occurred on May 7, 1999. The bombing resulted in the deaths of three Chinese nationals and strained relations between China and the U.S. Xi referenced the incident in an op-ed published in a Serbian newspaper, emphasizing that the Chinese people value peace but will not allow historical tragedies to recur. Despite the U.S. issuing an apology and attributing the bombing to faulty intelligence, the incident has left a lasting impact on relations between the two nations.
The bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade fueled anti-American sentiments in China and led to speculation that the attack was intentional rather than accidental. Mistrust stemming from the incident continues to affect relations between the two countries. The incident also brought China and Serbia closer together, with China becoming Serbia’s largest foreign direct investor and second-largest trading partner. China opposed the NATO bombing campaign and supported Serbia’s bid to counter the push for independence in Kosovo, a former Serbian province. In return, Serbia has welcomed Chinese investment and has maintained a strong alliance with Beijing.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, signs of pro-China sentiments were evident in Serbia, with Chinese flags displayed prominently in Belgrade. Xi is expected to visit the site of the former embassy during his visit and pay his respects to the bombing victims. A Chinese cultural center now occupies the area where the embassy once stood, symbolizing China’s growing influence in Serbia and Europe. Visitors from China have visited the site to honor the victims of the bombing, emphasizing the importance of cherishing peace in the aftermath of the tragic event.
Xi’s visit to Serbia is part of his first European tour in five years, which will also include a visit to Hungary. The trip signifies the deepening ties between China and European countries, with Serbia serving as a strategic ally for China in the region. The relationship between China and Serbia has been strengthened through mutual support and cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development. Xi’s visit is expected to further solidify the partnership between the two nations and pave the way for continued collaboration in the future.
As Xi continues his visit to Serbia and Hungary, his presence underscores the importance of diplomatic relations between China and European countries. China’s growing influence in the region and its strategic partnerships with nations like Serbia highlight the shifting dynamics of global politics. Xi’s visit to the former embassy site and his tribute to the bombing victims serve as a reminder of the need for peace and cooperation in international relations. The visit also signifies the shared aspirations of China and Serbia to build a community with a shared future for mankind, reflecting a vision of unity and progress in an ever-changing world.
