By Xu Xiujun, deputy director of International Politics and Economics Department, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; cartoon drawing by Chi Ying
 

On June 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Belgrade to begin a state visit to Serbia. Serbia deployed fighter jets to escort Xi's plane when it entered the country's airspace. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and his wife, Parliament Speaker Maja Gojkovic, Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic at the airport, which indicate the host nation's high grand reception to welcome Xi. As the first public event, Xi and his wife paid homage to the Chinese martyrs killed in the NATO bombing of the former Chinese embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in May 1999. They were then accompanied by President Nikolic to attend the inaugural ceremony of foundation laying of the Chinese Culture Center in Belgrade.

Serbia is the first nation among Central-Eastern European countries to establish a strategic partnership with China, and is one of China's all-weather friends. The two countries share a special brotherly bond. Historical memories will help two peoples to cherish the traditional friendship forged with blood and lives forever. During Xi's first day visit, the Serbian President, Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister accompanied him in all activities, serving as a reflection of their brotherly friendship. "Honor Martyrs, Cherish Peace." History should not be forgotten, peace should be cherished forever. We believe that Xi's visit will upgrade China-Serbia strategic partnership relationship to a higher level and will revitalize a special traditional friendship.

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