President Xi Jinping's Visit to Belgrade and the Anniversary of US Embassy Bombing

President Xi Jinping is set to visit Belgrade around the 25th anniversary of the deadly US bombing of the city's Chinese embassy, shining a light on an event that sparked anti-US protests and fueled Beijing's mistrust of NATO. The Chinese leader will make a stop in the Balkan nation on or close to May 7, as per anonymous sources familiar with the arrangements. The NATO bombing in 1999 resulted in the death of three Chinese journalists, with the White House attributing it to faulty maps.

Key Takeaways

• President Xi Jinping to visit Belgrade around the 25th anniversary of the deadly US bombing of the city’s Chinese embassy.
• The event sparked anti-US protests at home and contributed to Beijing’s mistrust of NATO.
• US missiles killed three Chinese journalists during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999.
• The White House later called the strike a mistake and blamed it on faulty maps.
• President Xi's visit to the Balkan nation is expected to highlight this historical event.

Analysis

President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Belgrade in the wake of the 25th anniversary of the deadly US bombing of the Chinese embassy in the city is poised to cast a spotlight on a deeply contentious issue. This event is likely to further escalate the already strained relations between China and the US, contributing to heightened mistrust of NATO. It could also lead to increased tensions in the region and cause diplomatic repercussions for all parties involved. The long-term impact may include a reevaluation of historical grievances and a reassessment of global power dynamics. Organizations and countries affected could include China, the US, NATO, and the Balkan region.

Did You Know?

• NATO bombing in 1999: Refers to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's military intervention in Yugoslavia, which resulted in the deadly bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. The event led to widespread anti-US protests and contributed to Beijing's mistrust of NATO.
• Faulty maps attribution: The White House later attributed the bombing of the Chinese embassy to faulty maps, calling the strike a mistake. This incident had significant repercussions in US-China relations and international diplomacy.
• President Xi Jinping's visit to Belgrade: President Xi's visit to the Balkan nation is expected to highlight the historical event of the deadly US bombing of the Chinese embassy, marking the 25th anniversary of the tragic incident.