China 'secretly' delivers lethal weapons to Russia's ally Serbia amid ongoing war

In a major development amid ongoing war, China has "secretly" delivered a set of sophisticated Chinese anti-aircraft systems to Serbia this weekend. According to multiple media reports, at least six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed at Belgrade’s civilian airport on Saturday. As per military experts, se transport planes reportedly carry HQ-22 surface-to-air missile systems which will be inducted into Serbian military. tably, Serbia is an ally of Russia and delivery of lethal weapons at this crucial period raised eyebrows over intention of Serbian military.

Though Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic claimed that China delivered medium-range system as per deal inked earlier in 2019, defence expert raised doubt over his statement. According to Vucic's media statement, he will present “ newest pride” of Serbian military on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Earlier, on several occasions, Serbian President complained that rth Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are t allowing delivery of system amid ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Earlier, Turkey and Bulgaria--  two NATO member states-- also received similar systems for ir respective militaries. Meanwhile, defence experts perceive delivery as a demonstration of "China’s growing global reach".

" Y-20s’ appearance raised eyebrows because y flew en masse as opposed to a series of single-aircraft flights," wrote Warzone online magazine.

" Y-20′s presence in Europe in any numbers is also still a fairly new development." Serbian military analyst Aleksandar Radic said that " Chinese carried out ir demonstration of force."

Delivery of Chinese warplanes develops fears for next war

It is worth mentioning Serbia had voted in favour of UN resolutions that condemn Russian bloodbath in Ukraine. However, it has yet to impose sanctions on Russia for its unlawful action against Kyiv. Earlier in 2020, United States had warned Serbia about exporting HQ-22 anti-aircraft system. At that time, US officials suggested Serbia if wants to join EU and or Western allies, it has to comply with its military equipment as per Western standards.

Despite staunch warning from Western nations, Serbia purchased set of lethal weapons from China. purchase triggered fears among defence experts as y assume that China's move could encour Balkan country toward ar war, especially against its former province of Kosovo which proclaimed independence in 2008.

Im: AP