China and Serbia have agreed to strengthen their military cooperation as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe on Friday.

Describing China as Serbia's most trustworthy friend, Vucic expressed gratitude towards China for extending support in safeguarding national security, speeding up economic development, and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that Serbia is willing to enhance cooperation with China in all areas besides military cooperation, adding that Serbia firmly supports China's stances on issues related to its core interests such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang affairs. 

Wei appreciated Serbia's firm support on China's core interests and said that China is willing to work with Serbia in expanding their military communication and cooperation, and advancing bilateral military ties.

Paying homage to the martyrs of the 1999 U.S.-led NATO bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Wei said that China will never forget the incident. 

"Chinese military will never allow such things to happen again," he vowed, emphasizing "We are fully capable and determined to safeguard China's national sovereignty, security and development interests."

(CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic also contributed to the story.)

(Cover: Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe inspect Serbian military equipment, March 26, 2021. /Chinese Defense Ministry)