Putin to hold talks with yet another European leader in China

From September 2 to 4, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will visit the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip is timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.

In addition to participating in a large military parade on September 3, Vučić will also hold a series of official meetings.

During the visit, the Serbian leader will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The main topics of the discussions are expected to include the development of economic relations, investment projects, and the deepening of strategic partnerships.

China–Serbia relations

This is not Vučić’s first visit to China. In October 2023, during his stay in Beijing, 18 agreements were signed, including a Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China.

In May 2024, Xi Jinping made a state visit to Serbia. During that visit, the two presidents signed a Joint Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership and Building a Serbia–China Community with a Shared Future. The parties also exchanged 28 documents on cooperation in various fields.

Notably, the Chinese leader has visited Serbia twice before: in 2016 and 2024. The 2016 visit was the first in over three decades and was marked by the signing of a Declaration on Strategic Partnership.

It should be noted that Serbia affirms its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and European aspirations, but has so far refused to join sanctions against Russia.

Previously, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić stated that the government could impose sanctions on Russia if such a step aligns with the country’s interests.

In 2023, there was a leak of classified Pentagon documents regarding the possible supply of Serbian ammunition to Ukraine. However, at that time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić denied this information.