Belgrade honors Chinese journalists killed in 1999 NATO bombing

8/5/2025 6:12

Wreaths and white roses were laid on Wednesday at a memorial plaque in Belgrade to honor three Chinese journalists killed in the 1999 NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy, as Serbia and China marked the 26th anniversary of the event.

The commemoration was held at the China Cultural Center in Belgrade, constructed on the site of the former embassy in New Belgrade. Leading the tribute were Serbian Minister of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs Milica Djurdjevic Stamenkovski and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming.

Stamenkovski emphasized that the anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of the innocent lives lost and a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

"Let today be a reminder of our shared suffering, but also of the strength of our alliance," she said. "Only together, united and respecting the choices and will of all peoples, will Serbia and China continue to strengthen their partnership for mutual benefit, in service of our national interests, stability, prosperity, and justice."

She described the May 7, 1999, bombing on the Chinese Embassy as a crime committed against China and its people, stressing that it violated the foundations of the UN Charter and numerous international conventions.

Stamenkovski also expressed pride in Serbia's role as China's first free trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe, and the first European country to elevate bilateral ties to the highest level.

Ambassador Li condemned the airstrike as a grave violation of international law and remembered the journalists Shao Yunhuan, Xu Xinghu, and Zhu Ying, who lost their lives in the attack. More than 20 Chinese diplomats were also injured.

He recalled that NATO, under U.S. leadership, launched a 78-day bombing campaign under the pretext of humanitarianism, causing the deaths of over 2,000 civilians, injuring more than 6,000, and displacing nearly one million people.

Li described the bombing as a blow to both Chinese and Serbian sovereignty, but emphasized that the two nations have responded with resilience and have made joint progress since then.

Contrasting the destruction of war with today's flourishing bilateral ties, Li highlighted how the two countries are now focused on rebuilding and revitalization. He also underscored the strength of their 70-year friendship.

Also present at the ceremony were Belgrade Deputy Mayor Vesna Vidovic, representatives from the Serbian Journalists' Association, the Veterans' Association, Chinese enterprises and local residents. They joined in laying flowers in remembrance of the victims.

On May 7, 1999, the clearly marked Chinese Embassy in Belgrade was attacked by NATO missiles during the military alliance's bombing campaign against then Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The attack destroyed both the main and auxiliary buildings of the embassy. A memorial plaque was installed at the site in 2009 to honor the victims.