China's President Xi Jinping Strengthens Ties with Serbia in Visit Marking 25th Anniversary of NATO Bombing

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Serbia and Hungary from May 7 to 11, marking a significant diplomatic trip for Beijing. During his visit, Xi met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who share similar populist views and are critical of the West. The Chinese leader was greeted warmly by thousands of people in Belgrade, many of whom were bused in from across Serbia to show their support. The visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade on May 7, 1999, which killed three Chinese nationals and injured 20 others. China has long disputed the official explanation for the attack and has used this event as a symbol of strained relations between Beijing and Washington. During his visit, Xi honored Serbia's national day on May 8 and signed several agreements with Belgrade, including a free trade agreement. China has invested heavily in Serbia and neighboring Balkan countries, pouring billions into infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives.