Serbia and China Deepen Defense Ties: Minister Gasic Meets Admiral Dong Jun in Beijing
Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gašić met with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Beijing to discuss strengthening military and defense cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed strategic ties and explored new areas for joint training, defense technology, and military education.
Beijing - Serbian Minister of Defense Bratislav Gasic has begun a four-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China, marking another step in the deepening strategic partnership between Belgrade and Beijing. On the first day of his visit, Gasic met in Beijing with China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, for high-level talks focused on expanding defense and military cooperation.
Following a formal welcoming ceremony featuring both national anthems, the two delegations held official talks. Minister Gasic expressed gratitude for the warm reception, emphasizing that the visit reinforces Serbia’s intention to further strengthen its defense relations with China.
“The personal relations between our presidents, Aleksandar Vucic and Xi Jinping, have given a special tone to the traditionally friendly ties between our two nations,” Gasic said, recalling the visit of Serbia’s state delegation to China during the World War II Victory Parade in Asia.
Gasic thanked China for its consistent international support on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, noting that Beijing’s position remains aligned with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1244.
The discussions centered on expanding cooperation in military-technical, military-educational, and military-medical fields. Gasic underlined that China’s defense equipment deliveries have significantly enhanced the operational capabilities of the Serbian Armed Forces, while bilateral training programs continue to grow.
Both sides highlighted the success of joint training exercises between Serbia’s Special Operations Forces and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a model for future collaboration. They also discussed Serbia’s invitation for a Chinese delegation to attend the upcoming “Partner 2026” International Defense Exhibition in Belgrade, as well as the “Power of Unity” military parade earlier this year.
Admiral Dong Jun described the talks as reaffirming the “strategic partnership and mutual trust” between the two countries, built on respect and understanding. “Our defense cooperation strengthens not only our armed forces but also the friendship between our peoples,” he said.
During the second day of the visit, Minister Gasic is scheduled to meet with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, to continue discussions on long-term defense collaboration and technology exchange.
