Belgrade has been buzzing in anticipation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival yesterday for a two-day visit. It’s Xi’s second state visit to Serbia, amid “high expectations that the ironclad friendship between the two nations will be further enriched and strengthened”. Xi’s visit occurs as Serbia marks the 25th anniversary of 1999 NATO bombings“. Remnants and scars from the bombings are visible in parts of Belgrade.
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“In a signed article published yesterday on Serbia’s media, Xi said China and Serbia remain true friends and good partners, regardless of changes in the international landscape.” CTGN
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Serbia and China Tourism
I’ve noticed many Chinese tourists in Belgrade restaurants, museums, and markets. During previous trips in 2019 and 2021, I don’t recall seeing any Chinese. The two countries recently initiated a “mutual visa exemption and started direct flights” between their countries. They’re said to be promoting “cooperation in education, sports, culture, and tourism”.
Serbian Infrastructure Development
For several years, China has invested billions of dollars in Serbian infrastructure projects, including some of those described below.
Wind Turbine Farms – 1.5 GW wind turbines built near Subotica, Serbia’s northernmost city near the border with Hungary
Solar Power Plants – 500 MW solar projects and a first of its kind green hydrogen production facility with 30,000 tons of annual output
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“China and European Union candidate Serbia signed an agreement on Wednesday to build a “shared future,” making the Balkan country the first in Europe to agree on such a document with Beijing.” clickondetrait.com
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Road Expansion Projects – improving connectivity between Western Europe and the Balkans, including a two-way, four-lane road in east Serbia with 50 bridges and 20 roundabouts
Zemun-Borca Bridge – first “major bridge project constructed by a Chinese company in Europe,” shortening commute time on both sides of the Danube River by an hour
High-Speed Rail Between Budapest and Belgrade – reconstruction of a high-speed railway line between Budapest and Belgrade that “contributes to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation between China and Europe”
HBIS Smederevo Steel Plant Refurbishment – Chinese investments financed the refurbishment of this aging steel mill on the verge of closure
High-Speed Railway Upgrade Between Belgrade and Novi Sad – modernization of the 77·6 km Beograd – Novi Sad route, including 200 km/h services on the Beograd – Budapest corridor
300 MW Solar Farm and Čukaru Peki Copper-Gold Mine Development – by Chinese Zijin Mining
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“In recent years, the relationship between Serbia and China has experienced a remarkable upswing, marked by the intensification of economic and political cooperation between the two nations.” chinaobservers.eu
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Tomorrow, I’m looking forward to a daytrip exploring Resava Cave and two medieval Monasteries – Ravanica and Manasija. It’ll be a full day. More later…