Belgrade: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has strengthened his country’s ties with China during a high level visit to Beijing, even as large anti government protests continue across Serbia over corruption concerns and demands for political reforms.
During his five day state visit to China, Vučić met Chinese President Xi Jinping and signed more than 20 agreements covering trade, infrastructure, technology, education, green energy and artificial intelligence cooperation. Chinese officials described Serbia as an “ironclad friend,” highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.
The meetings in Beijing reflected the increasingly close relationship between Serbia and China in recent years. China has invested heavily in Serbian roads, railways, factories, mining operations and energy projects. Serbian leaders see these investments as important for economic growth and development, while China views Serbia as a key partner in the Balkans and an important gateway into Europe.
Xi Jinping also honoured Vučić with a Chinese friendship medal during the visit, praising Serbia’s support for China on major international issues. In return, Vučić said Serbia values its friendship with Beijing and wants even stronger cooperation in the years ahead.
The Serbian president used the visit to call for greater understanding between Europe and China. In comments published during his trip, Vučić urged European countries to work with China “with confidence, not fear,” while stressing the importance of economic cooperation during a time of global uncertainty.
However, the diplomatic visit comes at a difficult moment for Serbia’s government at home. Large protests have continued in several Serbian cities, especially in the capital Belgrade, where students, opposition supporters and civil society groups have accused the government of corruption, lack of transparency and weakening democratic institutions.
The demonstrations began after the collapse of a railway station canopy in the northern city of Novi Sad late last year. The tragedy killed 16 people and shocked the country. Many protesters blamed poor oversight and corruption linked to state backed infrastructure projects for the disaster.
Since then, protests have grown into a wider movement calling for political accountability, early elections and stronger rule of law. Demonstrators say public institutions have failed to protect citizens and accuse authorities of ignoring public concerns.
Tensions increased over the weekend when clashes broke out between protesters and riot police near government buildings in Belgrade. Serbian authorities confirmed that more than 20 people were detained during the unrest. Opposition groups accused the government of increasing pressure on activists and journalists, while officials insisted that security forces acted to maintain order.
Vučić has rejected accusations against his administration and claimed that some protest groups are being influenced by outside forces seeking to destabilise Serbia. His supporters argue that the government has delivered economic growth and improved infrastructure despite difficult international conditions.
The growing relationship between Serbia and China has also drawn attention from the European Union. Serbia is officially seeking membership in the EU, but European leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about democratic standards, media freedom and Belgrade’s close political and economic ties with both China and Russia.
Analysts say Serbia is trying to balance relations with major global powers while protecting its own economic and political interests. For China, Serbia remains one of its strongest partners in southeastern Europe, especially as Beijing seeks to expand its influence through investment and infrastructure projects across the region.
As protests continue at home and international attention grows, Vučić now faces the challenge of maintaining political stability while strengthening Serbia’s position between East and West.