Vučić: Sanctions and protectionist measures against China cannot succeed

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić declared that sanctions and protectionist measures targeting China are fundamentally flawed and cannot succeed. Speaking at the opening of a photo exhibition celebrating Serbian-Chinese friendship, Vučić asserted that China's inevitable growth and development will dismantle any barriers erected against it.

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All these sanctions being imposed, all these protectionist measures being introduced against China cannot succeed.

Vučić observed a shift in Western values, noting that protectionism appears to be replacing the once-held principles of free markets. He criticized the notion that such protectionist systems can endure, predicting that China will emerge even stronger by overcoming these challenges. He pointed to China's remarkable achievements over the past decades, especially since President Xi Jinping came to power, as evidence of its resilience and progress.

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Suddenly, when we can no longer compete, we say politically that we won’t allow you to beat us. And some people think such a system can endure. It cannot. China will continue to grow and develop, gradually overcoming and dismantling each of these barriers and emerging even stronger.

The Serbian president emphasized the tangible benefits of Serbia's decade-long strategic partnership with China. He specifically cited the Smederevo steel mill, operated by the Chinese-owned HBIS Group Serbia, which provides "decent wages" to 5,000 local employees and supports another 10,000 subcontractors. Vučić stated that without Chinese investment and President Xi's commitment, the steel mill would not have resumed operations, especially given recent economic difficulties.

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But you can always judge by actions. When I look at what China has achieved over the past decades, especially since President Xi came to power, I must say the results are remarkable.

This partnership, Vučić added, has provided substantial support and an economic boost to Serbia, clearly demonstrating who its "true friend" is. He contrasted China's consistent achievements, driven by its five-year plans and dedication, with what he described as the gradual decline of Western civilization. Vučić urged a pragmatic approach, acknowledging the need for wisdom and adaptability in understanding current global realities, even if it requires making difficult concessions.

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That steel mill would never have resumed operations, especially given the economic conditions of the past three years, during which it has also been operating at a loss. Yet they will not leave Smederevo thanks to President Xi’s word.