China and Serbia look to further 'mutually beneficial' relationship after diplomatic visit
Alijosa Milenkovic
Europe;Serbia
Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi says China wants to continue its close relationship with Serbia after visiting the country on Monday. /AP

Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi says China wants to continue its close relationship with Serbia after visiting the country on Monday. /AP

 

Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi hailed Serbia as a "true and great friend" after meeting President Aleksandar Vucic and his leading ministers.

Yang Jiechi also praised Serbia's economic development and said China would continue to encourage its companies to invest in Serbia and help to maintain its economic growth. 

The two nations have established an increasingly close relationship, with Serbia receiving large shipments of medical aid from China to help its fight against COVID-19.

Now, Yang Jiechi says the focus of the two nations is to map out their future economic relationship, which he believes will benefit both parties.

 

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed his country's relationship with China but admitted it is a difficult one to maintain. /AP

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hailed his country's relationship with China but admitted it is a difficult one to maintain. /AP

 

"Regarding practical cooperation between China and Serbia, it is proven to be mutually beneficial," he said. "For instance, Smederevo steel mill is one of the examples of joint victory."

In 2016, Serbia's only steel mill was saved from bankruptcy by the Chinese HBIS group. Thanks to that intervention, over 12,000 workers kept their jobs.

However, amid uncertain progress in EU membership talks, Serbia is also courting the U.S. as it seeks international allies, placing it in the middle of tense relations between east and west. 

 

Vucic recently visited Washington to sign an agreement with the U.S. vowing not to use 5G equipment from "suspicious sources." This came just weeks after the U.S. banned Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, claiming it could compromise national security.

Vucic said: "We already had various pressures and we know it is not easy to maintain a friendship with China. But so far, Serbia [has been] successful in maintaining it. We'll keep our freedom of choices, and we'll continue to build a sincere friendship with the People's Republic of China."