China and EU-candidate Serbia sign an agreement to build a ‘shared future’

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — China and European Union candidate Serbia signed an agreement on Wednesday to build a “shared future,” making the Balkan country the first in Europe to agree on such a document with Beijing.

After meeting in Belgrade, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Serbian President Vucic announced they would “deepen and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia,” and “build a new era of a community with a shared future between China and Serbia.”

It was not immediately clear what a “shared future” meant, but it is unlikely to be met with approval from the EU.

Ahead of the meeting, both sides expressed optimism that Xi’s visit would further boost the “ironclad” friendly relations between China and the Balkan country.

Xi arrived in Serbia to a warm welcome on Tuesday evening from France, where he had a high-stakes state visit dominated by trade disputes and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Thousands of people chanting “China-Serbia” and waving flags were bused in from across Serbia to attend a welcoming ceremony for Xi on Wednesday in front of the Serbia Palace, in the new part of Belgrade where the talks were held.

Serbia’s populist president addressed the crowd from a balcony, calling Xi an “ironclad” friend. He said his visit to Serbia was “historic” because it opened the path for even closer ties.

“We are writing history today although it doesn’t seem so to many,” Vucic said. “We thank President Xi. He hasn’t come to Europe in five years and he has again chosen our little Serbia.”

At the start of the official meeting on Wednesday, Xi said “we are first-hand witnesses that the Serbian people view Chinese people as ironclad best friends.”

“This is truly two-sided and truthful friendship… I truly