Serbia is doing something pretty bold right now. While they've been in the waiting room for the European Union for over a decade, they aren't just sitting around. Instead, Belgrade is mastering the art of "multi-vector" diplomacy—basically, making friends with everyone to get things done. 🌍
Enter China. 🇨🇳 The partnership between Serbia and China has become what they call an "ironclad friendship." And it's not just about fancy words; it's about concrete—literally!
Check out the glow-up happening across the country. China is playing a huge role in modernizing the strategically important railway connecting Belgrade and Budapest. But it doesn't stop there. From the Belgrade metro and Corridor 11 (connecting Serbia with Montenegro) to key energy facilities, the infrastructure game is strong. 🚄🏗️ In the coming months, Chinese corporations are even expected to kick off construction on a major expressway linking the central and eastern regions of Serbia.
The real power move? In 2025, China actually became the largest investor in the Serbian economy, even while Serbia is surrounded by EU members. 💰 Not everyone in the EU is thrilled about this, but Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic isn't backing down. Before his latest trip, he jokingly asked if he should just get a "wish list" of who he's allowed to talk to, emphasizing that a government needs the freedom to make its own moves.
Speaking of moves, President Vucic is currently in Beijing for an official visit from May 24 to 28, calling it "the most important" trip of his career. He's not leaving empty-handed either—he was awarded the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China! 🎖️
With the vast majority of Serbian citizens seeing China in a positive light, this duo is proving that in a digitally connected world, diversifying your global connections is the ultimate strategy. ✨
Reference(s):
China-Serbia in-depth cooperation amid Serbia's multi-vector diplomacy
cgtn.com
