Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the Chinese mainland celebrate 30 years of diplomatic relations this year, with ties deepening through shared commitments to sovereignty, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Ambassador Sinisa Berjan reflects on a partnership that has evolved from formal engagement to multidimensional cooperation across three decades.
From Roads to Classrooms: A Collaborative Legacy
Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1995, BiH-China relations have prioritized practical collaboration. Chinese firms have modernized roads, energy grids, and industrial zones in BiH, boosting connectivity and creating local jobs. Trade partnerships and tech transfers have opened new opportunities for regional industries. Meanwhile, cultural bridges built through Confucius Institutes, scholarships, and artistic exchanges have fostered mutual understanding. Thousands of BiH students have studied in Chinese universities, while Chinese tourists increasingly explore BiH’s heritage sites and natural landscapes.
Sovereignty as a Cornerstone
The relationship rests on mutual respect for territorial integrity. BiH has consistently supported the one-China principle, endorsing initiatives like President Xi Jinping’s “building a community with a shared future for mankind.” In return, China has acknowledged BiH’s sovereignty under the Dayton Peace Agreement, backing homegrown solutions for governance in the multi-ethnic state. Ambassador Berjan emphasized China’s “constructive role” in prioritizing equality and UN-led multilateralism, particularly regarding international oversight mechanisms.
Future Pathways: Sustainability and Self-Determination
As BiH approaches 30 years since the Dayton Agreement, Berjan stressed confidence in local institutions to lead governance without external oversight. China’s non-interference approach aligns with BiH’s focus on self-determination, while collaborative frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continue driving economic modernization. Looking ahead, both nations aim to expand green energy projects and digital infrastructure, building on a foundation of “trust, respect, and shared aspirations.”
