Key facts
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated Europe is sleepwalking into economic ruin.
- Vucic cited complacency and poor productivity as reasons for Europe's economic decline.
- Serbia is transforming into a key gateway for China.
- Serbia and China signed 23 intergovernmental agreements and 10 additional documents during Vučić's visit.
- New investments of almost €1 billion were announced between Serbia and China.
- Serbia aims to develop domestic technological capabilities and higher-value production.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić believes Europe should engage with China confidently rather than with suspicion. During a state visit to Beijing, he received China's highest honor for foreign nationals, and the two countries signed numerous agreements focusing on technological integration and industrial modernization. Serbia aims to shift its economic model from low-cost labor to developing domestic technological capabilities and higher-value production, with China playing a significant role through investments in infrastructure, energy, mining, and manufacturing. This strategic partnership is part of Serbia's national modernization strategy, Serbia 2030.