I'm John Batchelor. I welcome my good friend and colleague Ivana Stadner, the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

You will recall that Xi Jinping's last visit to Europe, I believe, in 2024. He visited the dignitaries

of Western Europe, the powerful men. And then, on his way home, he stopped off in Serbia. Serbia?

Little bitty country in the Western Balkans,

a little bit of country associated with a lot of violence.

It's the end of the Soviet Union.

Little bit of a country associated with protests

against the longtime leader, Vutjit.

Why Serbia?

It turns out, in a new article, Ivana and her colleagues have posted,

there is a Serbia-China-Free Trade Agreement.

You didn't know about that, did you?

Well, it was enhanced by Xi visiting Vouchitz in 2024.

What is it?

It's a deal between two countries, one of which wants to enter into the European Union.

Therein lies the mystery.

Ivana, a very good evening to you.

I did not know the things I don't know about Syria.

Vuchis is an ambitious leader.

Tell me about the protests.

Do they continue before we talk about the trade agreement?

Good evening to you.

...