When you hear the phrase “iron friendship,” what comes to mind? For many, it evokes a sense of trust, loyalty, and bonds that last. That’s exactly what defines the relationship between Serbia and China.
But what does this friendship actually look like in action? How does it translate into real-world partnerships, investments, and shared growth?
As we approach CISCE 2025, it’s the perfect time to see how decades of collaboration between these two nations are now turning into real-world results. For Chinese companies eyeing Europe, Serbia is not just a friendly face. It’s a strategic partner. And for Serbian businesses, Chinese investment has become a key force in modernization and expansion.
Let’s take a closer look at how this friendship has evolved and why it now presents a unique opportunity for forward-thinking businesses ready to expand.
Table of Contents
The Foundation of the Serbia and China Relationship
Did you know that Serbia and China have shared diplomatic ties for nearly 70 years? This isn’t just a polite handshake between governments. It’s a relationship grounded in mutual respect and long-term alignment.
As early as the 1950s, the People’s Republic of China and Yugoslavia opened channels of diplomatic communication. While their political ideologies sometimes diverged, both nations maintained a level of mutual recognition and respect that set the stage for future cooperation. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia inherited and continued this legacy, strengthening it with each passing decade.
From early diplomatic exchanges to strategic support in international affairs, both nations have consistently stood by one another. China backed Serbia on matters of national sovereignty, while Serbia was among the first to publicly support the “One China Policy.”
But beyond politics, it was the people-to-people connection that really set this friendship apart. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, China was quick to send vaccines and medical support to Serbia. Billboards in Belgrade thanking Chinese partners weren’t just PR stunts, they reflected genuine gratitude from the Serbian people.
This goodwill laid the foundation for something even bigger: a flourishing economic relationship built on infrastructure, innovation, and shared opportunity.
From Diplomacy to Development: Business Collaboration in Action
Have you noticed how many Chinese-led projects are now reshaping Serbia’s economy?
The transformation is hard to miss. Highways, power plants, bridges, and even a high-speed railway connecting Belgrade to Budapest are being developed with Chinese funding, expertise, and long-term vision.
Serbia’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is also central. As a gateway between East and West, Serbia is the perfect logistical bridge for Chinese goods entering the European Union. Energy is another big area of collaboration. Chinese companies are helping Serbia modernize its power sector, invest in clean energy, and build the infrastructure needed to support smart, green cities.
The message is clear: Serbia is ready to be your operational hub in Europe.

Silver Bell Group’s Role in Bridging Markets
At Silver Bell Group, we see ourselves as more than just an outsourcing provider. We’re connectors. For Chinese companies entering Europe, the difference between a soft landing and a costly misstep often comes down to the right local partner. That’s where we come in.
Based in Belgrade, we operate at the intersection of East and West, offering a strategic, cost-effective entry point, a bridge into European market.
For Chinese companies, that means:
- Customer support delivered by multilingual agents
- Sales development teams trained in your product and voice
- Lead generation focused on your target markets and growth priorities
- Operational setup that fits your timeline and budget
Join Us at CISCE 2025
Planning to attend CISCE 2025?
We’ll be there, and we’d love to meet you.
Stop by our booth, meet our team, and learn how we can support international companies as they expand into Europe.
You can also scan our WeChat QR code below or click here to connect directly with Milan, our Head of Marketing, to set up a one-on-one talk in advance. We’d love to hear about your plans and explore how we can achieve them together.

FAQ
Q1: Why is Serbia important to China’s European strategy?
Serbia’s central location makes it a perfect entry point into the European market. It offers access to both EU and non-EU countries, has a stable political climate, and supports initiatives like the Belt and Road. For Chinese businesses, it’s a cost-effective and strategic place to set up logistics, customer service, and fulfillment operations that can serve the entire region.
Q2: What does the “iron friendship” between Serbia and China mean?
This term reflects a strong, long-lasting bond built on trust, shared values, and mutual support. Unlike many diplomatic relationships that are purely transactional, the Serbia-China connection is deeply emotional and symbolic. It’s a friendship that has shown its strength during global crises and continues to drive cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and infrastructure.
Q3: Is Serbia a cost-effective destination for outsourcing?
Absolutely. Serbia offers competitive wages, especially compared to Western Europe, without compromising on talent quality. The workforce is multilingual, tech-savvy, and culturally aligned with European markets. For companies looking to build customer support, sales, or back-office teams, Serbia provides an ideal balance of affordability and capability.
Q4: Does Silver Bell Group have experience with Chinese clients?
Yes, we’ve worked with companies from China in sectors like ecommerce, logistics, and tech. We offer Mandarin-speaking support, collaborate closely on brand voice and customer journey, and help Chinese businesses localize their services for European audiences. We understand both sides of the cultural and operational equation.
Q5: How quickly can a Chinese company launch a support team with you?
Most of our clients are up and running in 4 to 6 weeks. That includes recruitment, onboarding, training, and system integration. We tailor every setup to your brand’s specific needs, whether you need a small pilot or a full-scale operation.
Q6: What languages do your teams support?
We support a wide range of languages including Mandarin, English, German, French, Italian, Serbian, and several others. This multilingual capability allows our clients to offer native-level support across multiple markets without the need to build separate teams in each country.