Vučić from the Great Wall of China: "The steel friendship between Serbia and China is not just a phrase" VIDEO

Vučić on China: “A gravitational force of stability”

Vučić told Serbian media that he was preparing for a lecture at Tsinghua University, where he would speak with students and professors.

“President Xi Jinping studied chemistry there. He did not have an easy life path before reaching the heights he has achieved, but for us the most important thing is that China has become a gravitational force of stability. From China, you can always expect a desire and commitment to peace,” Vučić emphasized.

He stressed that China never creates unpleasant surprises and represents a reliable partner and friend to all who respect international law.

“It is difficult to find a country against which you can raise no objections on that issue, as is the case with China. I would add Serbia as well, but we are small. Still, I am proud that we have adhered to the principles of international public law,” Vučić said.

Speaking about the Great Wall of China, Vučić described it as a symbol of the strength and courage of the Chinese people.

“21,196 kilometers! Even if it were meters, it would still be impressive — this is an incredible construction achievement. Many would not be able to build this even today. It speaks of their strength, persistence, diligence, and dedication. I came to express admiration and respect for our hosts, and also to proudly present our Serbian folk dance performed by young members of the National Ensemble Kolo,” Vučić said.

He added that Serbia can achieve a great deal together with China, but admitted that he feels a great responsibility ahead of important meetings.

“I am extremely nervous — I even told our Chinese friends that. I know exactly how much time has been allocated to us, so I am trying to memorize everything. Only irresponsible people are not nervous. Anyone who goes to university aiming for the highest grade is always nervous. I have met with Xi Jinping 14 times, and I was nervous every single time. Thanks to that sense of responsibility, we managed to ensure that 5,000 people in Smederevo continued receiving salaries even when the steel plant was not operating profitably. Not to mention that we owed 1.2 billion in Bor,” Vučić emphasized.

Speaking about the atmosphere during the visit, Vučić said that the Chinese side refers to him by the nickname “President 577.”

A Chinese journalist asked whether he knew that in China he is called “President 577,” because the pronunciation sounds similar to “Vu-či-ći.” Smiling, the president said he was aware of the nickname and that he liked it.

Asked what he expects from the visit, Vučić said he feels responsibility and is coming from a relatively small country.

“This is a major matter for us, of the utmost importance, and I hope we will not only sign many documents — more than 35 agreements and deals — but also expand the fields of our cooperation and ask our great friend, Chinese President Xi Jinping, to help us achieve better results in the fields of AI and robotics,” he added.

Vučić pointed out that without the Chinese company Linglong Tire, many people in Zrenjanin would be left without jobs.

“It is also a question of local government revenues, road construction, and average salaries. Three of the five largest exporters in Serbia are Chinese companies. These are enormous things, and you cannot achieve them while thinking about something else,” Vučić said.

Speaking about meetings with Chinese officials, Vučić stressed that preparations continue until the very last moment and that all members of the delegation must approach their obligations seriously.

“Tonight we will have our dinner meeting, and you will see how ministers and everyone else have to prepare. I must prepare to the maximum and stay fully concentrated so that I can present everything most important before President Xi. I am responsible for our country; I represent our country. This is not about traveling — I can barely endure that part — the essence is to do something for your country,” he added.