Serbia’s president warns Croatia to “watch what it does” as the dispute deepens over defence cooperation with Albania and Kosovo, and claims about Chinese missiles
A war of words between Serbia and Croatia intensified these days as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warned Zagreb to “watch what it does”, responding to remarks by Croatian President Zoran Milanovic dismissing Serbian allegations of a military alliance targeting Belgrade.
The dispute has escalated in recent days amid claims by Vucic that Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo were preparing possible coordinated actions against Serbia – accusations Milanovic called “stupid”.
“How would we attack, and with what?” Milanovic said earlier, rejecting the idea that such an alliance existed. “We don’t have an army for that. You can believe me – in the end I decide about that.”
The latest exchange reflects rising rhetorical tensions in the Western Balkans, fuelled by regional defence cooperation initiatives and Serbia’s claims that it has acquired advanced Chinese missile systems.
Military cooperation sparks dispute
The row began after comments in February by Albania’s defence minister that Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo would hold joint military exercises based on a memorandum of defence cooperation.
Belgrade interpreted the initiative as the basis for a potential military bloc aimed at Serbia, though officials in Zagreb and Tirana have said it represents routine defence coordination rather than a formal alliance.
Responding to Milanovic’s criticism that he should “watch what he says,” Vucic said Croatia had no authority to dictate his statements.
“I am Aleksandar Vucic, and I am the proud president of Serbia,” he said at a rally in the western Serbian town of Bajina Basta. “Neither the Croatian president nor anyone else will decide what I can say.”
He added that Serbia sought peace and better relations with its neighbours but would not allow others to interfere in its decisions.
“We will not attack anyone,” Vucic said. “But we will always be ready and strong enough to deter anyone who thinks they can attack Serbia.”
Chinese missile claims add to tensions
The diplomatic sparring intensified last week after Vucic said Serbia had obtained Chinese CM-400 ballistic missiles, which he described as part of the country’s ongoing military modernisation.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the acquisition raised questions for NATO.
“Such weapons have never been seen on European territory,” Plenkovic said, adding that he had informed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte about the issue.
Vucic responded that Zagreb had no say in what weapons Serbia could possess.
“If I had known how much they would like the missile we bought, I would have bought it earlier,” he said.
There has been no independent confirmation that CM-400 missiles are operational in Serbia’s arsenal, although photographs circulating on military forums appear to show Serbian MiG-29 aircraft carrying such weapons.
Vucic told Serbia’s public broadcaster that the country had already acquired a “significant number” of missiles and planned to buy more.
Competing narratives on security
Milanovic said Croatia recognised Serbia’s right to strengthen its defence but questioned the purpose of acquiring advanced offensive systems.
“Understandably, they want strong defence,” he said, referring to Serbia’s historical security concerns. “But they are also acquiring offensive weapons.”
Croatia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, views regional military cooperation with partners such as Albania and Kosovo as routine.
Serbia, by contrast, maintains a policy of military neutrality and has strengthened defence ties with countries including China and Russia.
Vucic said Serbia had no intention of joining NATO and would continue modernising its armed forces to ensure national security.
The exchange comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with leaders across the Balkans closely monitoring geopolitical developments and security risks that could reverberate across the region.