Belgrade conference boosts academic cooperation between Serbia, China

Abstract : 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.

Branislav Djordjevic, director of the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE) in Belgrade, addresses the opening ceremony of the Fifth International Conference "Dialogues on China 2025" in Belgrade, Serbia, Oct. 15, 2025. 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. (Xinhua/Shi Zhongyu)

BELGRADE, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- 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.

In his opening remarks, IIPE Director Branislav Djordjevic underlined the role of China as contemporary circumstances are changing at an unprecedented pace, with global challenges multiplying. "China is becoming increasingly active in international relations, promoting values based on genuine multilateralism, cooperation, and understanding," he said.

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, he added.

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 said more than 300 Chinese and 50 Serbian researchers are currently cooperating through joint scientific projects.

Noting that 2025 marks 70 years of friendship between the Chinese and Serbian people, she underlined that both nations are guided by a vision of building a community with a shared future in the new era. "Our people share the values of mutual respect, solidarity, and support," she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming said that China's modernization follows a path of peaceful development and is contributing to world peace. "No matter what level of development China achieves, it will never seek hegemony or expansion. What we advocate is cooperation, not conflict; dialogue, not confrontation; unity, not division. We strive to play a constructive role, not a destructive one," he said.

"We should take the United Nations as our guiding star, follow the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, safeguard the international rule of law, and match words with deeds. In this regard, China-Serbia relations can offer valuable inspiration," Li stressed.

Chen Bo, president of CIIS and former Chinese ambassador to Serbia, also shared her concerns about the current changes on the international stage, citing challenges marked by protectionism and fragmentation. Nevertheless, she added, the historical trend toward peace and development remains strong. "China's answer lies in the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity," she said.

A dozen academic panels will be held during the conference, featuring scholars from diverse fields.

Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming addresses the opening ceremony of the Fifth International Conference "Dialogues on China 2025" in Belgrade, Serbia, Oct. 15, 2025.

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.

Chen Bo, president of the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and former Chinese ambassador to Serbia, addresses the opening ceremony of the Fifth International Conference "Dialogues on China 2025" in Belgrade, Serbia, Oct. 15, 2025.

Scholars from China and Serbia discuss topics at the Fifth International Conference "Dialogues on China 2025" in Belgrade, Serbia, Oct. 15, 2025.