China and Serbia signed a joint declaration to deepen their strategic partnership and build “a community with a shared future in the new era” during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Belgrade in May 2024.
The Serbian capital was one of three European stops on Xi’s spring tour, along with Paris and Budapest, underscoring Beijing’s growing interest in strengthening ties with European capitals amid global geopolitical shifts.
China has become Serbia’s largest trading partner in terms of imports, which reached €5.13 billion in 2024, according to official data.
The Serbian government relies heavily on China for economic investments and state-backed loans, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications. Belgrade also counts on Beijing’s diplomatic support in international forums, especially in opposing the recognition of Kosovo’s independence — a stance both countries share.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has described relations with China as “ironclad,” frequently highlighting Beijing’s support as unconditional, in contrast to what he sees as more demanding partnerships with the West.