Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Serbia marked the 25th anniversary of a tragic event that brought the two countries closer together. On May 7, 1999, during NATO’s air war over Kosovo, U.S. jets mistakenly bombed the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade. The attack resulted in the deaths of three Chinese nationals and injuries to 20 others, causing a significant strain in U.S.-China relations.
In a published op-ed in Serbia’s Politika newspaper, Xi Jinping expressed the Chinese people’s enduring value for peace and called for stronger ties between China and Serbia. The incident, which sparked speculation about whether the bombing was intentional or accidental, ultimately led to China becoming Serbia’s largest provider of foreign direct investment.
During his visit, Xi Jinping is expected to visit the former site of the embassy to pay respects to the victims of the bombing. The site now hosts a Chinese cultural center, symbolizing China’s growing influence in Serbia and Europe. The visit has been met with positive reception, including displays of Chinese flags in Belgrade.
The anniversary of the embassy bombing serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peaceful relations between nations. Xi Jinping’s visit not only honors the memory of the victims but also highlights the deepening bond between China and Serbia in the years since the tragic event.
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