Through My Eyes - Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević

The 20th century was very turbulent and painful for Serbia. Over one and a half million people of this small European nation perished in two Balkan wars, two world wars, a violent breakup of Yugoslavia, and NATO bombing. 

Various estimates say that up to half of the entire population fell as victims of those conflicts.

Cumulative destruction and material damage exceed hundreds of billions of dollars in today's money. It is a true wonder that this nation survived all those calamities of the 20th century. 

Today's Serbia, though, understands that it cannot sustain any more confrontations. It needs peace, prosperity, and a better life for its people. Serbia of the 21st century needs collaboration with the nations that share similar goals. 

The rise of China and its soft power brought to the world stage policies of a multipolar world, sustainable development and avoiding conflicts in international relations. When Serbia recognized that it shares the same values, an approach between the two nations accelerated to unprecedented levels. 

Far from the geographical distance, Serbia watched China's unprecedented achievements with fascination and a desire to try to mimic some of those and put them into its own development.

"I am amazed by the results that have been reached by the People's Republic of China in the last 75 years," Serbian PM Miloš Vučević said in an exclusive interview to CGTN. "It is an amazing result. It's unbelievable how they have reached these goals to decrease poverty in China, to employ so many people, to increase salaries and pensions, to become a key player in the world, and to be a country that firmly promotes peaceful coexistence and sovereign equality."

And with China's help, Serbia is now attempting to make very similar moves. Increasing its own production capabilities, developing infrastructure, and implementing new technologies. 

Today, China's friendly relations with Serbia is considered an example for other European countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Belgrade twice in the past eight years. Chinese investments in Serbia surpassed that of every other nation. 

But the Serbian expectations from China do not end up at the economy, as PM Vučević told us. "I believe that China in the upcoming period will be a key player in the context of finding a peaceful resolution," he said.

"I think that the persistent politics of China are something that is respected by most countries in the world, especially among the countries that respect equality and the rule of international law. I would like to see a more engaged China in all sensitive issues in the world. 

"I think it is a matter of necessity for preserving peace and stability in the world. I think the upcoming period is a period where we will see China with stronger tools and definitely, if it is possible to say, playing a more important role."

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