Guardian: China beats EU in 'coronavirus diplomacy' in Balkans
The fight against the spread of coronavirus has become a new reason for the struggle between Russia, China and the European Union for their influence in Serbia.
The Guardian writes about this, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“As the pandemic gains momentum, major players are seeking to use soft power and aid to achieve their foreign policy goals. For the EU, this is an attempt to prove that talk about European values and solidarity is not just empty words. For China, this is an opportunity to change the narrative to present their country as a fighter against coronavirus, rather than its cause. Russia uses more modest resources for maximum effect. Americans have not yet been seen in the game of coronavirus diplomacy,” the article says.
The publication recalls the scandal that erupted after the EU refused to help Serbia in the fight against the epidemic. As a result, President Aleksandar Vucic asked for help from Russia and China and soon received it.
After this, the EU tried to correct the situation by providing more than 200 million euros in grants and 250 million euros in loans. A further €93 million was promised in the short to medium term.
“Vučić has since also praised European assistance, but the beautiful Chinese gestures will likely remain in public memory. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic has said she wants to build a monument to Serbia-China friendship when the pandemic ends, while a billboard in Belgrade paid for by a pro-government tabloid has a simple message: “Thank you, Brother Xi,” the Guardian reports. .
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