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 bombing, which occurred on May 7, 1999, resulted in the death of three Chinese nationals and injuries to twenty others, straining relations between China and the United States.
In an op-ed published in Serbia's 'Politika' newspaper, Xi Jinping referenced the tragic event, emphasizing the Chinese people's commitment to peace while vowing to prevent such historical tragedies from recurring.
The NATO air war was launched in March 1999 to halt Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic's brutal campaign against ethnic Albanian rebels in Kosovo. The U.S. later apologized for the embassy bombing, attributing it to faulty intelligence that led to the mistaken targeting of a Serbian arms exporter's headquarters nearby.
The incident sparked outrage in China, with protesters storming U.S. diplomatic facilities and fueling anti-American sentiments amid suspicions of intentional targeting. Despite ongoing mistrust, the bombing incident brought China and Serbia closer together, with China becoming Serbia's top source of foreign direct investment and second-largest trading partner after the EU.
Xi Jinping's visit underscores the enduring friendship between China and Serbia, with both nations committed to mutual progress and development. China's support for Serbia's sovereignty and opposition to Western-backed initiatives in Kosovo have solidified the bond between the two countries.
During his visit, Xi is expected to pay respects at the former embassy site, now home to a Chinese cultural center symbolizing China's expanding influence in Serbia and Europe. The center, which includes various facilities and a monument honoring the bombing victims, serves as a testament to the shared history and aspirations of the Chinese and Serbian peoples.
Xi's European tour, which includes stops in France and Hungary, highlights China's diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships in the region. The visit to Serbia signifies the importance of Sino-Serbian relations and the potential for further collaboration in the future.
