What have we learned from the COVID-19 crisis in terms of Sino-Serbian relations? China’s influence in Serbia will grow as much as the EU allows it to
What have we learned from the COVID-19 crisis in terms of Sino-Serbian relations? China’s influence in Serbia will grow as much as the EU allows it to

Author(s): Strahinja Subotić, Miloš Janjić
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Health and medicine and law, Economic development, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment, Geopolitics
Published by: Centar za evropske politike CEP
Keywords: COVID-19 crisis; Sino-Serbian relations; China’s influence; Serbia; EU influence; Geopolitics; Foreign policy; Economic cooperation;
Summary/Abstract: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serbian and international expert community has become alarmed by Serbia’s overwhelming emphasis on China in its fight against the virus. Coupled with a statement proclaiming the end of European solidarity by the Serbian President as a result of the EU’s untimely assistance, recent developments in Sino-Serbian relations warrant attention - especially from the perspective of Serbia’s EU accession process. The concern is so great that some are worried that China might misuse the situation to continue expanding its political influence in Serbia, while weakening the EU’s regional position. Others also warn that the boost of public support for China will diminish the already-fragile support of Serbian citizens for the EU. The basis for these fears can be found in the fact that Serbia indeed already stands out from the rest of the Western Balkan countries in terms of its level of political and economic cooperation with this Asian giant.

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