China's Xi in Serbia for talks to boost economic ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (right) during a welcoming ceremony at Belgrade Airport on May 7, 2024. - AFP

BELGRADE: Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks with his Serbian counterpart in Belgrade on Wednesday (May 8), as Beijing seeks to deepen its political and economic ties with friendlier countries in Europe.

China has poured billions into Serbia and neighbouring Balkan countries, particularly into mining and manufacturing, and last year Beijing and Belgrade signed a free trade agreement.