Like Serbia, the EU should be open to partnership with China

As I return to China, I do so with an abiding sense of respect for a nation that has become one of Serbia’s most indispensable partners and a defining force of our century. In Europe, discussions about China are too often clouded by suspicion and strategic anxiety. I understand that every major political community must guard its future, but I believe Europe should approach China not with fear and suspicion but with confidence and a serious, open-eyed willingness to cooperate.Serbia has chosen the path of openness. And our experience proves that partnership with China brings concrete benefits to ordinary people, workers and families. In many ways, Serbia has become a trailblazer in Europe for a brand of partnership that is both practical and mutually beneficial. Long before connectivity became a buzzword, we understood the importance of building bridges between East and West.Through our framework with Central and Eastern Europe, the relationship has matured into a broad and enduring partnership – and its fruits are now visible across our landscape in infrastructure, energy and technology.