Since the signing of the Agreement on Strategic Partnership in 2009, relations between Serbia and the People’s Republic of China have steadily advanced, becoming as crucial for Serbia as its relationships with the United States, the European Union and Russia.
In essence, China has become one of the four pillars of Serbian foreign policy. The continuous momentum in these relations is driven by two key mechanisms offered by China: the China-CEEC Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative. Serbia opted to join these frameworks, resulting in significant achievements and a robust partnership. Despite various challenges, Serbia and China have maintained a strong bond, supporting each other in upholding international law and navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their relationship has been described as an “ironclad friendship,” further solidified by President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Serbia in May.
President Xi’s visit to Serbia: Expectations and outcomes
President Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia in May marked his return after his first visit in 2016, which was the first by a Chinese president to Serbia in 32 years. During the 2016 visit, the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed. Since then, high-level meetings between the two countries have been frequent. Notably, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met Xi in Beijing last October during the Third Belt and Road Forum, where 18 agreements, including the Serbia-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), were signed. This FTA is set to come into force on July 1.
At the invitation of President Vučić, President Xi visited Serbia on May 8-9. This visit is a significant milestone in enhancing Serbia-China relations. Vučić expressed high expectations for the visit, emphasizing China’s consistent support for Serbia and Serbia’s backing of China. Vučić also highlighted Serbia’s strong stance on the “One China” policy and the importance of discussing various topics during Xi’s visit.
Foreign Minister Marko Đurić hailed the visit as a great honor, noting that it underscores Serbia’s independent foreign policy and the strong personal rapport between the two presidents. Đurić emphasized that the FTA is a legacy for future generations and will enhance Serbia’s economic ties with China, reducing the trade deficit and boosting Serbian exports to the Chinese market. The FTA is anticipated to significantly increase trade, considering the growing bilateral trade, which reached $4.35 billion in 2023 from $596 million in 2016.
Joint statement on a shared future
During President Xi’s visit, 28 agreements were signed across various sectors, including trade, environmental protection, digital economy, and more. The most notable outcome was the Joint Declaration on deepening and elevating the strategic partnership between Serbia and China, establishing a shared future in the new era. This declaration reinforces the strong traditional friendship, cooperative spirit, and mutual commitment to global initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.
The shared future between Serbia and China will enhance political, economic, and cultural cooperation. The agreement aims to improve Serbia’s export opportunities, attract Chinese investment, and foster joint projects in various sectors, including agriculture and freight transport.
International media reactions
The media’s coverage of Xi’s visit was diverse. Italian daily Corriere della Sera suggested Xi’s visit was part of a broader strategy to leverage the shifting dynamics among transatlantic allies. German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung highlighted the symbolism of the visit in light of the NATO bombing anniversary, while French business daily Les Echos described Serbia as China’s “Trojan horse” in Europe. The New York Times noted the significance of China’s investment in Hungary and Serbia amidst geopolitical tensions. Conversely, Russian media praised the visit, highlighting China’s support for Serbia’s sovereignty and its commitment to scientific and educational exchanges.
Conclusion
As Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić remarked, President Xi’s visit is historic, marking a new chapter in Serbian-Chinese relations. The FTA’s implementation on July 1 is expected to yield immediate benefits, paving the way for a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
