Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has received a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Chinese leader "expressed readiness to work with him on further improvement of the strategic partnership between the two countries," Tanjug news agency reported, quoting the president's press office.

According to a press release, at Xi's invitation, Vucic will attend the 2nd international Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on April 25-27.

Thanking Vucic for a message on occasion of the Chinese New Year, Xi noted he devoted great attention to development of Sino-Serbian relations and was prepared to invest joint efforts in leading with Vucic the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia towards even greater progress to contribute further to the prosperity of the two countries and nations.

China supports Serbia’s policy regarding Kosovo and Metohija and does not recognize it. The two countries develop intensive economic cooperation as well.

Belgrade and Beijing agreed in September last year on USD three billion package of economic investments and military purchases which is expected to boost China’s growing influence in Serbia, according to the Balkan Insight report.

“The Belt and Road Initiative” is also known as the “One Belt One Road” or the “Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-century Maritime Silk Road”.

The Chinese Government calls the initiative "a bid to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future". However, some observers see it as a push for Chinese dominance in global affairs with a China-centered trading network.