Story perspectives

Xi Awards Vucic Friendship Medal, Signs 20+ Cooperation Pacts

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal in Beijing on May 25 2026.
Xi and Vucic signed more than 20 cooperation documents covering politics, trade, technology, education and security.
Xi and Vucic pledged to align strategies, implement the Belt and Road mid-term plan and expand cooperation in AI, green energy and advanced manufacturing.
Xi and Vucic also committed to deeper security ties, including joint police patrols.

History

Historical Context

The 1999 NATO air campaign, launched on 24 March and delivering about 38 000 combat missions, devastated Serbian infrastructure and killed three Chinese journalists when the Chinese embassy was bombed on 7 May. The incident fueled anti-Western sentiment and pushed Belgrade toward Beijing, a shift highlighted by Xi’s 2016 visit and the 2026 Beijing summit that produced more than 20 cooperation agreements.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic the Friendship Medal in Beijing on May 25 2026.
Xi and Vucic signed more than 20 cooperation documents covering politics, trade, technology, education and security.
Xi and Vucic pledged to align strategies, implement the Belt and Road mid-term plan and expand cooperation in AI, green energy and advanced manufacturing.
Xi and Vucic also committed to deeper security ties, including joint police patrols.

1 / 2