Chen Jining, Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić yesterday.
Chen Jining, on behalf of the Shanghai Municipal Committee, the municipal government, and the people of Shanghai, warmly welcomed President Vučić and his delegation to Shanghai, and provided an overview of Shanghai’s economic and social development and urban governance. He stated that China and Serbia share a profound traditional friendship. President Xi Jinping and President Vučić held a meeting and reached important consensus, charting the course for further development of bilateral relations. Shanghai is willing to work with Serbia, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to play an active local role in deepening and solidifying China-Serbia cooperation across various fields. Shanghai is the birthplace of the Communist Party of China. We adhere to a people-centered development philosophy, deeply practice the concept of a people’s city, integrate whole-process people’s democracy into the modernization of urban governance, and make improving people’s lives the starting point and ultimate goal of all work. There is broad space for cooperation between China and Serbia at the local level. Shanghai is committed to continuously deepening the sister-city relationship with Belgrade, strengthening economic and trade exchanges and investment, promoting mutual learning in urban governance, and steadily advancing practical cooperation in education, culture, tourism, and sports. This will enhance friendly exchanges between the people of both countries, especially among the youth, and contribute to cementing the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia.
Vučić expressed gratitude for Shanghai’s thoughtful reception and said that his state visit to China has given him a more genuine understanding of the development history of the Communist Party of China and its governance experience. He congratulated China on its tremendous development achievements. He noted that Shanghai’s urban development, technological innovation, and governance effectiveness are impressive. Since the launch of direct flights between Belgrade and Shanghai, cooperation in various fields between the two sides has been further promoted. He looks forward to continuously expanding economic, trade, and tourism cooperation, deepening mutual learning in high-tech, industrial development, and urban governance, to further strengthen the ironclad friendship and benefit the people of both countries.
Li Ming, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia, and Lu Shan, a Shanghai municipal leader, attended the meeting.
Belgrade
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its history stretching back to the 3rd century BCE when it was founded as the Celtic settlement of Singidunum. Over the centuries, it has been a strategic crossroads, conquered and rebuilt by Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians, earning it the nickname “The White City.” Today, Belgrade is a vibrant cultural hub, known for its resilient spirit, lively nightlife, and landmarks like the Kalemegdan Fortress, which overlooks the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s most populous cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a key trading port began in the 19th century, leading to rapid development and a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, visible in its colonial-era architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. Today, Shanghai is known for its dynamic economy, vibrant arts scene, and landmarks like the Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s most dynamic cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a prominent trading port began in the 19th century, particularly after the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, which opened it to foreign settlement and led to the establishment of the iconic Bund and foreign concessions. Today, Shanghai is known for its stunning blend of modern skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and historic sites such as the Yu Garden.
Belgrade
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its strategic location at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers shaping a turbulent history of over 115 battles and rule by Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. The city’s iconic Kalemegdan Fortress stands as a testament to this layered past, while its vibrant street art, lively nightlife, and mix of architectural styles reflect a resilient modern culture. Today, Belgrade is a dynamic hub where historic landmarks coexist with a thriving contemporary arts and social scene.
Kalemegdan Fortress
Kalemegdan Fortress is a historic landmark in Belgrade, Serbia, situated at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Its construction began in the 1st century AD as a Roman military fort, and it was later expanded and rebuilt by Serbian, Ottoman, Austrian, and other rulers over centuries. Today, the fortress and its surrounding park serve as a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Belgrade’s turbulent past.
The Bund
The Bund is a famous waterfront promenade in Shanghai, China, lined with historic European-style buildings that reflect the city’s colonial past. Originally a muddy towpath for river traffic, it developed into a bustling financial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, housing banks and trading firms. Today, it stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s blend of East and West, offering iconic views of the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
Pudong skyline
The Pudong skyline in Shanghai, China, is a striking symbol of the city’s rapid modernization, featuring iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. Historically, Pudong was a largely rural and underdeveloped area across the Huangpu River until the early 1990s, when it was designated as a special economic zone. This transformation turned it into a global financial hub, with its futuristic skyline representing China’s economic rise.
