Reprinting CRI News: Prospects for China-Serbia Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative International Forum Held in Belgrade
Experts and scholars from China and Serbia gathered to discuss the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. Deng Chundong, Party Committee Secretary of the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.
China Radio International (Reporter Zhao Hongchao): On June 6th, the international forum "Prospects for China-Serbia Cooperation under the 'Belt and Road' Initiative" was held in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The forum was co-hosted by the Institute of Marxism Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Confucius Institute at the University of Novi Sad, and the China-Serbia Cultural Exchange Association. Over thirty scholars and professors from Chinese social research institutions, alongside Serbian experts and scholars, engaged in discussions centered on the theme of "strengthening international cooperation between China and Serbia."
Deng Chundong, Party Committee Secretary of the Institute of Marxism Studies at CASS, interpreted the foundation of China-Serbia friendship during the opening ceremony. First, Serbia was once part of the socialist camp, leading to a traditional friendship between the two nations. Second, following the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, Serbia continued to maintain close ties with China, while China remained deeply concerned with the situation in Serbia. Finally, during the NATO bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia [1], China-Serbia friendship withstood the "ordeal of blood and fire" and became even more steadfast. He pointed out that in recent years, under the advocacy of President Xi Jinping, China-Serbia relations have been further elevated. He expressed hope that this forum would achieve the following objectives: first, to further promote friendly cooperation and friendship between the peoples of the two countries; second, to drive new outcomes in China-Serbia cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative; and third, to strengthen various exchanges, cooperation, and friendship with the Communist Party of Serbia.
Ivana Živančević Sekeruš, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Novi Sad, delivered an address at the opening ceremony. She stated that the Belt and Road Initiative is a sophisticated crystallization of thought and a practical model for achieving international connectivity. It is not only beneficial to China’s neighboring countries but also holds great significance for the global resolution of current problems facing the world and regional economies.
Yan Yuqing, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Red Flag Manuscript (Hongqi Wengao) [2], interpreted "Third Pole Culture" at the forum. In the subsequent seminar, by interpreting "Third Pole Culture," Yan Yuqing conveyed to Serbian scholars Chinese concepts such as "valuing harmony and union" (shang hehe) [3] and "seeking Great Unity" (qiu datong) [4]. She expressed the desire to act as an emissary for exchange and communication in the interactions between China and Serbia.
Josip Joška Broz, Chairman of the Communist Party of Serbia and grandson of Josip Broz Tito, spoke at the forum. He stated that the Chinese people have always been friends of Serbia. The Serbian people will never forget history; although some countries attempt to obstruct cooperation between China and Serbia, he believes that Serbia's important partners in the future are China and Russia. He expressed hope for the continuous improvement of economic development in both nations.
Participating experts and scholars from China and Serbia took a group photo. Ivana Radić, a researcher at the Institute of International Politics and Economics in Serbia, also presented her reflections on the Belt and Road Initiative during the seminar. She stated that the Belt and Road Initiative promotes the development of relevant countries and the economic integration of China with nations worldwide, representing a long-term development strategy. She noted that "16+1" [5] is a platform for political dialogue conducive to strengthening cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. Given the historical friendship and its unique geographical location, Serbia is a vital link in the Belt and Road. She concluded that China and Serbia could further expand cooperation in trade, people-to-people exchanges, energy, and telecommunications.