Serbia's President Urges EU to Embrace China Partnership

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, in an opinion piece for the South China Morning Post, argues that the European Union should follow Serbia's example and pursue open partnership with China. He cites the revitalization of the Smederevo steel mill by China's HBIS Group as a concrete benefit, noting it now employs 5,000 people directly. Vučić recalls Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2016 visit to the mill, where workers welcomed Xi warmly. He contends that European discussions about China are too often clouded by suspicion, and advocates for a confident, cooperative approach. The piece frames China as an indispensable partner for Serbia, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, energy, and technology.