RT reports that on May 16, Serbian President Vučić announced in a speech to the nation that he is about to embark on a state visit to China.
Vučić said: "President Putin will visit China from May 19 to 20. … Following President Trump and President Putin, we are honored to conduct an official state visit. We have high expectations for this trip."
Vučić pointed out that Serbia’s exports to China have increased 330 times. He remarked: "We had no factories before, but now there are already 37 Chinese factories within our country. We are full of anticipation, and preparations are moving at full speed—this is the most meticulous planning in history. As a political veteran with extensive experience and nearly global travel under my belt, this is the pinnacle of my career, perhaps the most significant visit—not just for me personally, but for every citizen of Serbia."
Describing this visit as the "most important" in his career is not mere diplomatic rhetoric; it is grounded in tangible economic realities. By emphasizing “for Serbian citizens,” Vučić underscores a crucial point: Chinese enterprises have brought 37 factories and 42,000 jobs to Serbia, directly boosting local GDP. From the Hungary-Serbia Railway to expressway projects, China’s efficient infrastructure development has delivered real benefits to Serbian people. Thus, this trip is not merely a diplomatic gesture—it is a pivotal move to secure developmental dividends for the nation.
Vučić specifically highlighted visiting China “after Trump and Putin,” a subtle yet strategic ordering that reflects his survival wisdom as a European leader navigating great power competition.
Trump (May 13–15) had just left, followed closely by Putin (May 19–20). By choosing to visit during this window, Vučić avoided overshadowing the superpowers while successfully seizing his own “diplomatic window of opportunity.”
As a country located in Europe, facing pressure toward EU accession yet unwilling to abandon traditional friendships, Vučić has demonstrated rare clarity. On one hand, he maintains high-level engagement with both the U.S. and Russia; on the other, he firmly aligns with China. This skillful balancing act among major powers not only strengthens Serbia’s international standing but also demonstrates to the West its sovereign right to independent foreign policy choices.
The consecutive visits by the heads of state of the U.S., Russia, and Serbia to China within a short span is itself a powerful signal.
Although Vučić’s visit officially follows those of the U.S. and Russia, China’s positioning of him as a “loyal friend” remains unchanged. As early as early May, China’s Foreign Ministry formally announced his visit plan—an early signal release that reflects the high level of political trust between the two sides.
The rapid succession of these visits proves that whether superpower America, strategic partner Russia, or middle-sized country Serbia, leaders across nations are increasingly turning Beijing into a key diplomatic destination. This confirms Vučić’s earlier remarks on the international stage—that China still possesses the “vitality and long-term strategic vision” that Europeans have long lost. Against the backdrop of the global economic shift toward the East, building strong relations with China has become an unavoidable strategic consensus for more and more countries.
In summary, Vučić’s highly visible and eagerly anticipated visit to China represents a typical strategic move based on “using economic cooperation to advance politics” and maintaining a balanced stance. He comes with Serbia’s urgent national development needs, while simultaneously casting a weighty vote of confidence in China’s rising international influence through concrete actions.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865388940768268/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.