Serbia received a batch of sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft systems in a semi-secret operation this weekend.
This is as Western countries worry that arms buildup in the country could pose a threat to regional peace due to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.
Media and military experts said on Sunday that six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade's civilian airport on Saturday, reportedly carrying HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems for the Serbian military.
The Daily Sabah also reports Chinese cargo planes with military markings were pictured at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla airport.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic also confirmed the delivery of the medium-range system that was agreed on in 2019, saying late Saturday that he will present the newest pride of the Serbian military on Tuesday or Wednesday.
He had earlier complained that NATO countries, which represent most of Serbia’s neighbors, are refusing to allow the system’s delivery flights over their territories amid tensions over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Although Serbia has voted in favor of U.N. resolutions that condemn the Russian attacks in Ukraine, it has however refused to join others to impose sanctions on Russia.
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