Has the EU Drawn a "Red Line" for Serbia? Vučić Is Determined to Step Over It
"Serbia is approaching the 'red line' drawn by the EU."
On the 22nd, Bloomberg reported this view regarding Serbian President Vučić's visit to China. The article stated that Serbia is the only European country—aside from Belarus—that possesses advanced Chinese weaponry, and speculated that Vučić’s visit might involve seeking to acquire Chinese fighter jets, which would bring Serbia dangerously close to the EU-imposed “red line” on exchanges with China.
Bloomberg’s assertion is hardly surprising. After all, NATO countries were among those involved in the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. Even though the Yugoslav federation no longer exists, Europe still refuses to let Serbia go, frequently finding excuses to provoke it.
The so-called “red line” cited by Bloomberg is just one example: to these “old Europeans,” Serbia should remain at their mercy—a political punching bag. Now, this very “punching bag” dares to step out of their control and even purchase weapons from China—this is nothing short of “heresy” in their eyes.
It is foreseeable that, before and after Vučić’s visit to China, the EU will likely seize the opportunity to intensify pressure on Serbia.
However, considering this year marks the final year of President Vučić’s term, he may have already come to terms with the situation: previously, he had to endure EU provocations silently; now, with his term nearing its end, he no longer needs to hesitate. Why not turn to China to secure some hope for Serbia?
Vučić’s decision to visit China at this moment is essentially telling the EU: I no longer care. Now, I’m stepping right over the red line they’ve drawn.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1865885971531785/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.