China, Serbia promote all-weather partnership with deeper strategic and economic alignment

The state visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to China has reinforced the growing strategic partnership between China and Serbia, with both sides describing their relationship as an “ironclad friendship.”

During talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two countries reaffirmed mutual political trust, respect for sovereignty, and support for each other’s core interests. Serbia reiterated its support for the one-China principle, while China emphasized respect for Serbia’s territorial integrity.

The visit also highlighted expanding practical cooperation, especially in infrastructure, trade, and industry. Key projects include China-backed railway development linking Belgrade with Budapest, and industrial cooperation such as the HBIS steel plant in Smederevo, which has become a major example of investment-led economic revitalization.

Both countries also agreed to deepen alignment of development strategies and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green development, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing. People-to-people exchanges in education, tourism, and culture were also emphasized.

Overall, the visit underscored a continued strengthening of political trust and practical cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, alongside closer coordination in international affairs.

Credit : CGTN