China, Serbia vow to deepen military ties

Chinese Minister of National Defense Dong Jun met with visiting Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic in Beijing on Wednesday, with both sides pledging to strengthen defense cooperation.

Dong described China and Serbia as "ironclad friends" whose relationship is built on a deep historical foundation and solid political trust, according to a readout from China's Ministry of National Defense.

He said the two heads of state have guided China-Serbia relations onto a new journey toward building a community with a shared future in the new era, creating unprecedented opportunities for defense cooperation.

China is ready to work with Serbia to implement the leaders' consensus, strengthen strategic communication, support each other firmly, and deepen high-level mutual trust between the two militaries, Dong said.

The Chinese military is also willing to work with the Serbian side to develop more practical cooperation projects and continue elevating bilateral military relations to new heights, he said, adding that such ties could serve as a model for exchanges in other fields and regional security cooperation.

According to the readout, Gasic thanked China for its consistent support for Serbia's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and commended China's four global initiatives.

He said Serbia firmly upholds the one-China principle and stands ready to strengthen traditional friendship with the Chinese military.

Gasic said Serbia looks forward to expanding cooperation in areas such as high-level exchanges, personnel training, joint exercises and training, and military medicine, to contribute to the development of bilateral ties and to regional peace and stability.