China, Russia, Serbia Intensify Joint Military Activities

Serbia completed its first-ever joint military training exercise with China in Hebei Province from July 19-28, focusing on drone tactics and special forces operations, despite strong objections from the EU and the United States. This cooperation highlights Serbia's efforts to balance EU accession ambitions with close ties to China and Russia, raising concerns in Brussels about its strategic orientation. China and Russia have also announced plans for annual Joint Sea-2025 military exercises in August near Vladivostok and in the Pacific, stressing these are not aimed at any third party. Simultaneously, Russia has launched major naval drills involving over 150 vessels and 15,000 personnel across multiple seas, coinciding with peace talks with Ukraine. These developments signal intensified military collaboration among China, Russia, and some European states, challenging Western influence. The situation raises further questions about European security commitments.