In a move that underscores Serbia’s increasingly complex foreign policy, Serbian and Chinese special forces concluded their first-ever joint military training exercise, Peacekeeper 2025, from July 19–28 in China’s Hebei Province.
The landmark training comes despite strong objections from both the European Union and the United States, highlighting Belgrade’s strategic effort to balance its path toward EU accession with deepening military ties with Beijing and Moscow.
The Serbian Ministry of Defense stated that the exercise involved mixed combat teams carrying out tactical missions in urban and rural settings, with a strong emphasis on drone tactics, firearms training, and mountaineering operations. Unmanned platforms played a key role, reflecting both countries’ growing focus on modern warfare and surveillance technologies.
#BREAKING #China #Serbia JUST IN: Chinese and Serbian special forces will hold their first joint exercise, Peace Guardians-2025, in late July in China’s Hebei Province, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced.
The main participants will be special operations units from the… pic.twitter.com/Sce3BnWKmh
— The National Independent (@NationalIndNews) July 14, 2025
“This training provided a boost to military cooperation and enhanced the interoperability of combat teams in executing missions alongside foreign armed forces and in international environments,” Serbia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
The exercise marks the first military drill between China and an EU candidate country, raising red flags in Brussels. An EU spokesperson told RFE/RL, “We need Serbia to assure us of its strategic orientation. The EU expects reliable partners who are aligned with our common values and security priorities.”
Security experts have warned that such drills challenge Serbia’s declared EU commitment. “Interoperability between Serbian and Chinese units sends a clear message to the West,” said Nikola Lunic, a Serbian defense analyst.
Serbia has previously purchased Chinese military equipment, including the FK-3 air defense system and CH-92A drones, becoming the first European country to operate such platforms. This deepening defense partnership reflects Serbia’s multi-vector foreign policy, as it seeks to balance international ties while maximizing autonomy and influence on the global stage.
