Deepening Sino-Serbian Military Cooperation: Joint Exercises of Special Forces of the Two Countries
Ukraine, August 13, 2025 – In recent years, we have witnessed a significant strengthening of military cooperation between China and Serbia. This cooperation is not limited to political or economic areas, but also includes the acquisition of Chinese weapons and military equipment, and more recently, military training and sharing of military capabilities. A key example of this trend is the first joint exercise of special forces of China and Serbia, which took place in July 2025 in the Chinese province of Hebei, under the name “Peace Guardian 2025”. The exercise represents a significant step in the broader geopolitical and military alliance between the two countries, and also signals growing concerns on the part of NATO and Western powers, who may be aware of China’s growing military presence in Europe.
The first joint exercise of special forces of the two countries, designated as Peace Guardian 2025, took place from July 19 to 28, 2025 in the Chinese province of Hebei. The exercise involved units from the 72nd Special Operations Brigade of the Serbian Army and a special unit of the Chinese Army (the specifics of the Chinese units were not disclosed). The exercise focused on tactical training in urban environments and natural terrain, and also included the use of modern military technology, such as unmanned aerial vehicles.
These technologies play a key role in modern military operations, especially when performing tasks in high-risk areas and in difficult terrain. As part of the training, they specialized in so-called black tactics, which included fast and silent operations in the city and in difficult terrain. In addition, they focused on improving shooting skills and mountaineering techniques, which are skills that are essential for modern military operations. The exchange of experience between Chinese and Serbian soldiers was also highly valued, allowing both sides to compare their military procedures and techniques.
Strategic and military significance of the exercise
Peace Guardian 2025 is part of a broader trend of deepening military cooperation between China and Serbia that dates back to the early 21st century. This cooperation has its roots in military contracts, such as the purchase of Chinese FK-3 air defense systems, which Serbia purchased to strengthen its defense against air threats. The FK-3 systems, an export version of the HQ-22 system, are designed to destroy air targets, including aircraft and ballistic missiles, and reflect China’s growing military ambitions in Europe.
In terms of the significance of Peace Guardian 2025, this is the first major military exercise between the two countries, but it is unlikely to be the last. As already indicated, the special forces of the two armies are essentially becoming a harbinger of broader cooperation in the field of military equipment and armaments. It can be expected that further exercises will take place in the future, involving more complex scenarios and larger military contingents.
Geopolitical and security implications
For NATO and Western powers, the growing military cooperation between China and Serbia poses a potential security threat. NATO is concerned about Chinese military influence in Europe, while Serbia, although not a NATO member, remains an important partner in the Balkans. The region has long been geopolitically sensitive, and an expanding Chinese presence could change the balance of power in Europe.
One of the main supporters of cooperation with China is Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who has held this position since 2017. For both countries, the issue of opposing so-called separatism is a crucial part of their political agendas. In Serbia’s case, this is China’s support for its criticism of Kosovo’s recognition as an independent state on the international stage, while China appreciates Serbia’s support for its one-China policy. Another important element of cooperation is the joint fight against so-called color revolutions, which both countries consider a direct threat to their internal stability.
For China, however, cooperation with Serbia is important not only from a military perspective, but also from a technological and industrial perspective. Serbia’s military acquisitions of Chinese technology, including air defense and unmanned aerial vehicles, are strengthening China’s position in the European market. China uses Serbia as a key partner in military training and military technology exports, which allows it to expand its influence on the European continent.
Serbia’s neutrality and its efforts to maintain a balance between the West and the East are key factors in this geopolitical dance. While Serbia cooperates with Russia and China, it also maintains relations with NATO and the United States, which allows it flexibility and strategic independence.
Relations between Serbia and other powers
Serbia’s relations with Russia and the United States are complex and strategic. The history of military cooperation with both superpowers influences Serbia’s military policy, but also its ability to “balance” between Eastern and Western powers. Cooperation with Serbia in the field of military training and technology will therefore have to be balanced, also taking into account the influence of NATO and the EU.
Relations between Serbia and China may also have an impact on relations with NATO and the EU. While the West is trying to offer Serbia opportunities for cooperation and integration, which is, however, impossible in the foreseeable future. While Serbia’s membership in NATO is something incompatible with national pride for the local society and only dreamed of by local pro-Western extremists, membership in the EU is possible, but only if the EU backs down from its demand for recognition of Kosovo by Serbia. Sino-Serbian military cooperation itself may complicate this path in some respects and thus support the scenario that Serbia will continue to be a rather neutral country.
In conclusion…
The joint exercise Peace Guardian 2025 is only the first step in the growing Sino-Serbian military cooperation, which has the potential to influence the geopolitical situation in Europe. The strengthening of military and industrial relations between the two countries indicates China’s growing influence in the Balkans region, and for NATO and Western powers this means new security challenges. It is clear that China will continue to seek to use Serbia as a key partner in Europe, not only from a military, but also from a technological and geopolitical perspective.
Max Bach
