After concluding their trip to France, the senior Chinese delegation arrived in Serbia on May 7 local time, receiving a warm welcome from the Serbian side.
Prior to the arrival of the Chinese delegation's special plane, Serbian President Vučić expressed excitement about the visit by the highest echelons of the Chinese leadership. He praised the arrival of the Chinese delegation as an immense honor for Serbia on social media.
He emphasized, "We are proud of our strong friendship with China, and our warm hospitality will demonstrate Serbia's high regard for this great partnership."
Vučić revealed that during the preparations for this visit, he extended 15 invitations to China through various channels, demonstrating Serbia's high expectations for this visit.
Furthermore, Vučić mentioned the state banquet to be hosted for the highest echelons of the Chinese delegation.
He personally oversaw the preparations for the banquet, not only revising the menu three times but also specially preparing a bottle of wine, planning to pour wine for the Chinese representatives himself.
It is not common internationally for national leaders to personally pour wine for guests, especially in Chinese culture, where it is considered one of the highest forms of hospitality.
To welcome the arrival of the Chinese delegation, extensive preparations were made throughout the capital city of Belgrade.
Chinese elements could be seen everywhere from the airport to the banquet hall.
A week ago, the roads were adorned with Chinese and Serbian flags, and numerous Chinese banners were hung on landmark buildings. For example, a giant Five-Star Red Flag was displayed on the Genex Tower, the second tallest building in Belgrade, with the inscription: "Warmly welcome our respected Chinese friends."
It can be said that Serbia not only prepared the highest standard of reception at the highest levels but also mobilized the entire city, fully demonstrating the warmth of the Serbian people.
For this visit, China also made special arrangements. Before their arrival, the highest echelons of China published a signed article titled "Let the Light of Ironclad Friendship Illuminate the Path of China-Serbia Cooperation" in the Serbian newspaper "Politics." The article highly praised the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia across time and space, emphasizing that regardless of the changes in the international situation, China and Serbia have always been true friends and partners, setting an example for state-to-state and people-to-people exchanges.
The timing chosen by China for the visit was also very special. May 7 holds special significance for both China and Serbia.
Twenty-five years ago on this day, the Chinese Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of three Chinese journalists.
This event has become a shared memory of the people of China and Serbia, inspiring both sides to continue moving forward.
During their first visit to Serbia in 2016, the highest echelons of China first went to pay their respects at the former site of the Chinese Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
This action set the tone for China-Serbia friendship, demonstrating the firm bond between the two countries.
Therefore, Western attention on this visit is particularly high.
At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 7, a Reuters reporter asked whether the Chinese delegation would visit the former site of the Chinese Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to pay their respects.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China and Serbia hold relevant commemorative activities every year.
It can be foreseen that this high-level exchange between China and Serbia will have a significant impact on the future development of cooperation between the two sides.
The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia just approved the list of cabinet members for the new government on May 2, electing more than 30 senior ministerial-level officials.
Serbia's new Prime Minister Vučić stated that he would maintain policy continuity and is committed to political and military neutrality, viewing European integration as a strategic goal.
Vučić is considered one of the important officials most likely to succeed President Vučić in the future.
However, although Vučić stated his intention to maintain policy continuity after his election, he has not yet mentioned the specific content of Serbia's strategy towards China.
Therefore, the timing of the visit by the Chinese delegation is opportune, providing an opportunity for in-depth exchanges between the two sides.
The size of the Chinese delegation this time is several hundred people, covering various fields and departments, demonstrating China's willingness to engage in comprehensive communication with the new government of Serbia.
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