Belgrade: One of Europe's major academic gatherings dedicated to Chinese foreign policy and global geopolitical change opened Wednesday in Belgrade, bringing together more than 130 researchers from 34 countries. The Fifth International Conference "Dialogues on China 2025" is a two-day forum co-organized by the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE) in Belgrade and the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) in Beijing. Themed "Recalibrating the Global Compass: China and a Shared Future in a Fragmented World," discussions at this year's forum are focused on China's role in global politics, multilateral cooperation, and economic relations.
According to Namibia Press Agency, IIPE Director Branislav Djordjevic emphasized the role of China as contemporary circumstances are changing at an unprecedented pace, with global challenges multiplying. Djordjevic noted that China is becoming increasingly active in international relations, promoting values based on genuine multilateralism, cooperation, and understanding. Serbia's military neutrality and the country's advocating for respect for international law make it an ideal venue for dialogue on global transformations and redefining the international order.
Jelena Kostic, acting assistant minister of science in the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, highlighted the close cooperation between China and Serbia. She mentioned that more than 300 Chinese and 50 Serbian researchers are currently cooperating through joint scientific projects. Kostic also noted that 2025 marks 70 years of friendship between the Chinese and Serbian people, guided by a vision of building a community with a shared future in the new era.
Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming stated that China's modernization follows a path of peaceful development and is contributing to world peace. Li emphasized that China will never seek hegemony or expansion, advocating instead for cooperation, not conflict; dialogue, not confrontation; unity, not division. Li further stressed the importance of taking the United Nations as a guiding star and safeguarding the international rule of law, highlighting the valuable inspiration offered by China-Serbia relations.
Chen Bo, president of CIIS and former Chinese ambassador to Serbia, shared her concerns about current international changes marked by protectionism and fragmentation. Despite these challenges, she asserted that the historical trend toward peace and development remains strong, with China's answer lying in the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. A dozen academic panels will be held during the conference, featuring scholars from diverse fields.