The letters of Xi Jinping They are not usually frequent in the international press. That is why it drew attention that Politicsthe most emblematic newspaper of Serbiawill publish a column signed by the head of the Chinese regime, who visits that country this Tuesday on a very scenic tour of Europe after five years of absence from the continent following the human calamity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 originated in China.
Under the title “May the light of our strong friendship shine on the path of cooperation between China and Serbia”, Xi Jinping marked not only the stony communion that he maintains with the nationalist president Aleksandar Vucic -also close to Vladimir Putin– but he drew up concepts in which he very clearly delimits what the term “friendship” for him. Vucic is synonymous with dry land Xi: implicitly supports the Chinese invasion of Taiwan and whenever he can he acts as their spokesperson in Europe.
“A Chinese proverb says that ‘friends are those who think alike’, while Serbs say that ‘friends are the greatest treasure in life’. The long-term friendly exchanges between China and Serbia and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides fully indicate that the continuous deepening and development of relations between the two countries is in accordance with the historical trend and the fundamental interests of the people, contributing to common progress on both sides,” he wrote Xi in Politics.
That is the first warning that the omnipotent Chinese leader issued in his writing: He only considers friends those countries, governments or states that think like him, who share their worldview. And only friends deserve appropriate treatment and the benefits of that thought. This worldview responds to autocratic or populist political systems, as is the case in Serbia, among many other examples. “The steel friendship between China and Serbia has been tempered by blood and fire, so it shines brighter in the new era“, says Xi.
But in that message he also defended Serbia in the face of international criticism for the abuses of power experienced in the country. “China respects and supports the Serbian people’s choice on the path of development, supports Serbia’s efforts to preserve national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and opposes the interference of any force in Serbia’s internal affairs.”, stressed the head of the Chinese regime.
In the following paragraphs, Xi He launched his message in Russian code. Music for the ears of Putin, another partner and friend tempered in blood and fire. Especially in the last two years in Ukraine. His words point against NATOthe military bloc led by USA and Europe that tries to stop Russian crimes on Ukrainian soil with weapons aid.
“25 years ago, NATO blatantly bombed the Chinese embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, killing three Chinese journalists, namely Shao Yunhuan, Xu Singhu and his wife Zhu Ying. We must never forget this. The Chinese people value peace, but will never allow a historical tragedy to be repeated“, remembers and promises Xi. The visitor refers to an accidental attack that occurred on May 7, 1999 in Belgrade. USA publicly acknowledged the fateful mistake, apologized and compensated the families for the tragedy. In his text, as he passed, Xi issues a warning: “We will never allow it to be repeated”. The communist leader perceives himself as much more powerful militarily than 25 years ago. What would you do in case of another error?
But it is at NATO whom he blames, in a column with repeated concepts such as “multilateralism” and “multipolar world”, offering his friendship to those who think like him. However, his mention of that organization on his trip to Serbia He is not innocent. The NATO It is one of the main supports of Kyiv and a continuous target of the Russian head of state in his speeches. The “society without limits” that keeps with Putin It is also reflected in the Chinese leader’s narrative.
It is also curious that, having such a bellicose friend, Xi I spoke in the same publication of “preserve world peace and stability”. Equally surprising is this last concept: an invasion of Taiwan -in addition to the human drama that it would mean- international trade would collapse, causing a serious price distortion throughout the world and generating product shortages in much of the globe.
Furthermore, a war in that strait would imply immediate action by the Asian neighbors. In Hawaiijust four days ago USA, Japan, Australia and Philippines reinforced their commitment to mutual aid in the face of hostilities Beijing. Concern has grown in recent weeks due to the continuous harassment that Philippine ships suffer from the Coast Guard China. Just hours ago, for his part, Australia reported the firing of flares at his helicopter that was flying over the Yellow Sea. A miscalculation could lead to an open confrontation. What does Xi mean by stability? Mystery.
Xi Jinping visit Europe trying to convince their rulers that a rapprochement with Beijing. Especially considering that in recent years “European attitudes toward China have soured significantly, fueled by deepening trade divisions and Beijing’s expanded economic and military cooperation with Moscow in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.“, public Christina Lu in Foreign Policy. But it is not only this that generates distrust: in recent weeks both Germany As the United Kingdom have accused China of espionage. And the scandal grows.
This European distrust is repeated throughout the world. In the last six years, support for China have been reduced, according to a survey published by Gallup this Monday, May 6. In 2018, 54 countries were aligned – with a lesser or greater degree of commitment – with Beijing. In 2023 that number had dropped to 22 nations. This should be the main concern of Xi.
In this context, the warnings made by Xi to only maintain friendships with autocrats who think like him and to share with Putin the same prism on the NATO They will not serve to reverse the perceptions cemented during the past five years. No matter how much he talks about stability, multilateralism and world peace.
x: @TotiPI
