Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visit to European ally Serbia on Tuesday coincides with the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during NATO's air war over Kosovo. The tragic incident occurred on May 7, 1999, when U.S. jets mistakenly targeted the embassy, resulting in the deaths of three Chinese nationals and injuries to twenty others.
The bombing strained relations between China and the U.S., with the latter issuing an apology citing faulty intelligence as the cause of the error. The incident sparked outrage in China, leading to anti-American sentiments and ongoing mistrust.
Despite the tragic event, the bombing brought China and Serbia closer together. China has become Serbia's largest source of foreign direct investment and second-largest trading partner after the European Union. Beijing's opposition to the NATO bombing campaign and support for Serbia's stance on Kosovo independence have solidified the bond between the two nations.
Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia is part of his European tour, following a stop in France and preceding a visit to Hungary. During his visit, Xi is expected to pay respects at the site of the former embassy and visit a Chinese cultural center that now stands in its place. The center symbolizes China's increasing influence in Serbia and Europe as a whole.
Visitors from China have already paid tribute to the victims of the 1999 bombing at a black-marble monument near the cultural center. The inscription on the monument, in both Chinese and English, reads: 'Honor Martyrs, Cherish Peace.'
Xi's visit underscores the complex history between China, Serbia, and the U.S., highlighting the lasting impact of the embassy bombing while also showcasing the evolving relationships between nations in the global landscape.
