2025 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Commenting on China's proposed 15th Five-Year Plan, BiH Ambassador to China Sinisa Beljan highly commended it, stating that this represents exciting and positive news for Central and Eastern European countries like BiH, as well as for the Global South. The Ambassador described the plan as highly forward-looking, stating, “This is a model we can learn from, one that focuses not only on economic growth but also emphasizes balanced development and a people-centered approach.”
Recalling his arrival in China two years ago, Ambassador Sinisa noted that while he had heard reports of China's rapid development, the reality he witnessed firsthand was profoundly impactful. “What moved me most was not merely the skyscrapers rising skyward or the bullet trains gliding along the tracks, but how this land harmoniously blends its forward momentum with its ancient spirit. Smart cities glow with lights, yet still reserve a warm glow for millennia-old customs; trains race along rails, yet still carry the word ‘home’ firmly in their hearts.”
Regarding the Taiwan issue, Ambassador Sinisa clearly stated: “Bosnia and Herzegovina consistently upholds the position that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China and fully supports the One-China principle. This aligns with the content of the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, jointly signed by both countries on April 3, 1995.”
As a candidate member of the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina possesses unique advantages in connecting the markets of China and Europe. According to Ambassador Sinisa, Bosnia and Herzegovina has served as a crossroads between Eastern and Western civilizations for centuries, positioning it as a vital gateway for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas. “We possess deep understanding of European quality standards and regulatory frameworks for products and services, while also grasping the dynamic characteristics of the Chinese market. This enables us to provide tangible support to both sides,” he stated. He commended China's rapid development in recent years, noting that many new technologies have helped address challenges faced by Europe.
The ambassador noted that the Belt and Road Initiative has delivered tangible benefits to Bosnia and Herzegovina through projects such as road modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and energy investments. As an active participant in the China-Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation Mechanism, Bosnia and Herzegovina was the first country within this framework to utilize loans from China Development Bank. The Stanari Thermal Power Plant project has become a model of cooperation. Looking ahead, he expressed hope to attract more Chinese investment into highly promising sectors like metal processing, timber, and organic agriculture.
As a seasoned expert in agriculture, the Ambassador specifically highlighted prospects for bilateral cooperation in sustainable development and ecological conservation. He proudly noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina's pristine natural environment, clear rivers, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for organic farming, with its honey, wine, meat products, and dairy goods enjoying high acclaim across Europe. “China and Bosnia and Herzegovina can certainly collaborate on ecological monitoring, environmental protection, and eco-tourism projects.” (Liaoxin News Agency)