News & Politics

NATO Bombing Anniversary: China's Unforgotten Wounds and Sovereignty Concerns

In a recent United Nations Security Council meeting, the topic of the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, now known as Serbia, was discussed. The meeting, which was proposed by Russia, was met with skepticism from France, leading to a procedural vote.

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26 March 2024

Due to the abstention of most council members, the meeting did not proceed to substantive discussions. China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, expressed disappointment in the outcome. He stated, "The Chinese people will never forget the day when the U.S.-led NATO bombed the Chinese Embassy in the former Yugoslavia, causing the death of three Chinese journalists and injuring over twenty Chinese diplomatic personnel.

This was a blatant violation of China's sovereignty, a grave injury to the feelings of the Chinese people, and a gross violation of international law and the basic principles of international relations." Geng Shuang's statement echoed sentiments on Chinese social media platform, Weibo, where users expressed anger and frustration. User @CCTV_International_News stated, "Remember, NATO owes us a blood debt." User @Geng_Shuang highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "The Chinese people will never forget the day when the Chinese Embassy in the former Yugoslavia was bombed."

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also addressed the anniversary, stating, "Serbia, although a small country, will use all means to defend its territory, people, and future." This sentiment was echoed by user @Lai_Yuan_Jia, who stated, "Chinese people will never forget the day when the Chinese Embassy in the former Yugoslavia was bombed."

This event, which took place on May 7, 1999, marked a significant moment in China-NATO relations. The bombing, which was carried out by NATO forces under the command of the United States, resulted in the death of three Chinese journalists and injured over twenty Chinese diplomatic personnel.

The event was widely condemned in China, with many viewing it as a direct attack on China's sovereignty and a violation of international law. The aftermath of the bombing saw widespread protests in China, with many calling for a stronger response from the Chinese government. The incident also led to a significant deterioration in China-NATO relations, with many in China viewing the organization as a direct threat to China's sovereignty and security. The anniversary of the bombing comes at a time of increased tension between China and the United States, with the two countries locked in a trade war and engaged in a heated debate over issues such as human rights and technology. The bombing also serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between China and the West. In conclusion, the anniversary of the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in the former Yugoslavia is a significant moment in China-NATO relations. The event, which resulted in the death of three Chinese journalists and injured over twenty Chinese diplomatic personnel, is widely viewed in China as a direct attack on China's sovereignty and a violation of international law. The anniversary also serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between China and the West, and the ongoing tension between China and the United States.