China's Xi Jinping visits Serbia on anniversary of 1999 NATO bombing

8/5/2024 7:18

        Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Serbia on Tuesday evening escorted by MIG-29 jets in a tightly secured visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of
        the NATO bombing of China's embassy in which three Chinese journalists were killed.
        
        Belgrade, after France, is the second stop on Xi's first visit to Europe in five years, which also includes Hungary. In Serbia, which is seen as China's most important partner in the Balkans, Xi is expected to discuss China’s multi-billion investment in the country and possible new deals.
        
        Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and government officials welcomed Xi at the Belgrade airport, where he was greeted by a military guard of honor and folk dancers. The two leaders will hold a meeting on Wednesday.
        
        On May 7, 1999, 20 Chinese nationals were wounded in the NATO attack, which prompted outrage in China and an apology from then U.S. President Bill Clinton.