Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Serbia in the latest leg of his European tour, and he arrived on a symbolic day. 25 years ago, three Chinese journalists were killed during the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The warm welcome Xi received followed difficult talks in France.

Belgrade

China's President Xi Jinping recently reinforced the strong relationship between China and Serbia during his visit to Serbia, which was a part of his broader European tour. This visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the tragic death of three Chinese journalists during the NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. Upon his arrival, President Xi was warmly welcomed, a stark contrast to the reception he had previously experienced in France.

During his visit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed deep gratitude towards Xi for the significant Chinese investments in Serbia. Vucic's remarks were made in front of a large audience, which included many who traveled to Belgrade from various parts of the country. He described the day as unforgettable and emphasized the importance of Serbia's friendship with China, highlighting the positive economic impact and contributions to Serbia's rebuilding efforts.

The visit was described as having a political focus, with Xi advocating for the construction of a mutual destiny in humanity, justice, and opposition to hegemony and power politics. This message seemed to be directed towards the United States. The visit not only had political undertones but was also symbolic, marking the anniversary of the NATO bombing that targeted the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, an event that significantly impacted China-Serbia relations.

Xi emphasized the deep ties between China and Serbia, referring to their friendship as "soaked in blood" in an editorial for a Serbian newspaper. While in France, Xi was asked to leverage his influence over Russia concerning the conflict in Ukraine, but his visit to Serbia on this sensitive anniversary implied a different stance.

Vucic also reiterated Serbia's respect for China, supporting the "one China" principle and showed appreciation for China's stance on Kosovo and Serbia's territorial integrity. However, not everyone views China's involvement in Serbia positively. Sasha Dragoljo criticized the role of Chinese companies in Serbia, pointing out issues related to modern slavery and the primary motive of profit extraction by foreign investors, including Chinese enterprises. Yet, for many Serbians, Xi represents a figure helping to alleviate poverty in their country.



China's Xi Jinping underlines close ties with Serbia during visit

Xi Jinping could not have wished for a warmer welcome in Serbia after experiencing a cooler reception in France. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic went out of his way to thank the Chinese leader for the billions of dollars of investment in front of a large crowd, many of whom have come to Belgrade from across the country. This is a special day for Serbia, an unforgettable moment. He is our dear friend. Serbia means a lot to us, helps us to improve economically and rebuilds our country. But Xi's visit to a country in Europe which has friendly relations with Russia was more about politics than business. We should promote the building of a community of human destiny, uphold fairness and justice and jointly oppose hegemony and power politics. A message clearly meant for the United States. US President managed to throw quite a party for his good friend Xi Jinping, with thousands of people from all over Serbia cheering him on here at the palace for a visit which is not only highly political but also very symbolic. Twenty-five years ago, NATO bombs destroyed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, killing three Chinese journalists. In an editorial in a Serbian newspaper, Xi wrote that the friendship between the two countries is soaked in blood. While Xi was asked in France to use his influence on Russia to stop the war in Ukraine, visiting Serbia on the anniversary of the attack appears to send a different signal. Serbia's president had a similar message. We have enormous respect for China. We support the one China principle. I am grateful to President Xi for his very clear views on the issue of Kosovo and the territorial integrity of Serbia. After revealing cases of modern slavery in Chinese companies, Sasha Dragoljo is less enthusiastic about China's growing role in Serbia. I generally think that from foreign investors in Serbia, this country cannot profit at all. Most of them are looking just to extract profit and Chinese companies are not any different. For those travelling to catch a glimpse of the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping is the man who is taking many Serbs out of poverty. Step Fasten, Al Jazeera, Belgrade.

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