China and Serbia Forge New Military Alliance with Historic Joint Exercise
China and Serbia are set to conduct their first-ever joint military training exercise, dubbed "Peace Guardian 2025." This landmark event, scheduled for late July in Hebei Province, northern China, signifies a deepening of defense ties between Beijing and the Balkan nation. The exercise will involve special operations troops from both countries, aiming to enhance combat readiness and strengthen bilateral military cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- The "Peace Guardian 2025" exercise marks the first joint military training between China and Serbia.
- It will involve special operations forces from both nations.
- The primary goals are to enhance combat readiness and deepen bilateral military cooperation.
- The exercise is scheduled for late July in Hebei Province, China.
Deepening Defense Ties
This inaugural joint exercise underscores a growing strategic partnership between China and Serbia in the security and defense sectors. While joint exercises are typically hosted on a rotating basis, there has been no official announcement regarding Serbia hosting a similar drill in the future. This collaboration is particularly notable as it marks China’s first joint exercise with European forces since its counterterrorism training with Belarus in July of last year.
Serbia’s Geopolitical Stance
Serbia is widely regarded as one of China’s closest partners in Europe, a relationship that has strengthened significantly since the 1999 NATO bombing of the former Yugoslavia. Despite being one of six Western Balkan countries aspiring to join the European Union, Serbia has no intentions of joining NATO. This independent stance allows Serbia to pursue diverse international partnerships, including its burgeoning defense cooperation with China.
Broader Military Engagements in Serbia
It is important to note that Serbia also engages in military cooperation with Western nations. For instance, the "Platinum Wolf 25" multinational tactical exercise, held from June 12-27, 2025, near Bujanovac, was organized by the Serbian Armed Forces with the support of the U.S. European Command. This exercise focused on improving interoperability and mutual understanding among partner countries through peacekeeping training. Participants included forces from Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Ohio National Guard, a state partner with Serbia through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program, also participated, highlighting ongoing U.S.-Serbia military cooperation.
Sources
- China and Serbia to hold first-ever joint military training this month, Latest news from Azerbaijan.
- China and Serbia gear up for first joint military training exercise, South China Morning Post.
- Ohio National Guard Attends Exercise Platinum Wolf in Serbia | Article, Army.mil.
- "Platinum Wolf 25" Highlights U.S.- Serbia Military Cooperation, U.S. Embassy in Serbia (.gov).
