The century-old steel plant in Smederevo, considered a source of pride for Serbia, has become one of the most prominent symbols of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Serbia.
The plant, which faced serious operational problems and was on the brink of bankruptcy a few years ago, experienced a significant turnaround in 2016 with the entry of a Chinese partner. This move was the result of deepening quality cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative between the two countries. Today, the plant ranks among the world's largest steel producers and integrated service providers in this industry, based on production capacity.
During a state visit to Serbia in 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić with steel models made at the Smederevo steel plant. The models depicted the Beijing Temple of Heaven and the Belgrade Temple of Saint Sava, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two countries.
On Monday, the two presidents met in Beijing. During the meeting, Xi Jinping called on China and Serbia to jointly build a path to a shared future and common prosperity, and to elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level.
Strong Friendship
Aleksandar Vučić has participated in a number of significant events held in China in recent years, from the opening of the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022 to the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum, and commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The term "iron friendship" has become a characteristic element of meetings and telephone conversations between the two heads of state.
Under the leadership of both presidents, China-Serbia relations have maintained a high momentum of development in recent years. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade reached US$6.49 billion in 2025, an increase of 13 percent year-on-year.
Serbia was among the first European countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative. In recent years, the two countries have accelerated the implementation of a number of projects, including the Budapest-Belgrade railway or the Fruška Gora corridor connecting the cities of Novi Sad and Ruma.
In October 2025, the Serbian section of the Budapest-Belgrade railway, built by Chinese companies, was fully put into operation. On this occasion, Vučić took a ride on the new line and described the project as a success for an entire generation, which he said "will forever be recorded in history."
Following the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Serbia on July 1, 2024, Serbian specialties, such as wine, honey, beef, and lamb, began to enter the Chinese market to a greater extent. At the same time, significant infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies were completed, such as the Belgrade bypass and the Gornji Milanovac bypass.
During the meeting, Xi Jinping emphasized that China-Serbia friendship is unique and has deep historical and practical foundations. He called on both countries to further strengthen exchanges between young people and cultural cooperation, and to utilize the visa-free regime, the free trade agreement, and direct air links to develop cooperation in many areas.
At Monday's meeting, Xi Jinping also awarded Aleksandar Vučić the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China. The Serbian president described the event as "one of the most important moments of his life" and reaffirmed his commitment to developing friendship between Serbia and China and promoting the building of a Serbia-China community with a shared future.
Shared Future
```Xi Jinping stated that China and Serbia are united by shared historical trials and similar values. According to him, both countries value perseverance and resilience, defend national independence and dignity, and share a deep understanding of the importance of peaceful development, justice, and fairness.
In May 2024, Serbia became the first European country to agree with China to build a community with a shared future for a new era. Since then, cooperation has expanded from infrastructure projects to areas such as technology, green energy, and artificial intelligence.
Following Monday's meeting, both countries issued a joint statement supporting four global initiatives proposed by China: the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
Serbia stated in the document that these initiatives bring Chinese experience and contributions to addressing global development challenges, security challenges, dialogue between civilizations, and improving global governance. At the same time, it decided to join the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Group of Friends of the GGI, expressing its interest in deepening cooperation with China in the areas of international governance and global development.
In conclusion, Xi Jinping called on both countries to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, to promote true multilateralism, and to support a fair and orderly multipolar world, economic globalization that benefits all, and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
gnews.cz/CMG
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