Belgrade[Serbia], April 29 (ANI): Amidst an armed build-up in the Balkans in midst ofthe Russia-Ukraine war, China has reportedly supplied a secret consignment ofanti-aircraft weapons to the Serbian military.

Six cargo planeswith Chinese military markers reportedly landed at the Belgrade civilianairport carrying surface to air missiles for the Serbian military. Though,Serbia has not given any formal response to the report of shipment. But this isnot the first time Serbia has bought military equipment from China, FinancialPost reported.

Weapons deliverywas also made to two NATO nations Turkey and Bulgaria. This highlights China’sincreasing global reach, the report said.

The secretdelivery has raised a lot of concern in the West, especially over the statehoodof Kosovo which is not recognized by Serbia, Russia, and China. As this canculminate in another war in the Balkan country, the report stated.

There areconcerns in the West that the armed build-up of Serbia with the help of Russiaand China could push the Balkan country towards another war against its formerprovince Kosovo.

In 2020, USofficials had cautioned Belgrade against the acquirement of the Chineseanti-aircraft system HQ-22. The export edition of HQ-22 is designated as FK-3.US officials have said that for Serbia to join the European Union, it mustregulate its military equipment with the Western standard, the report said.

Serbia’sacquisition of military equipment from China has not been taken well by theWest, the report said, adding that although, Serbia has sought membership inthe European Union, not abiding by the rules of the Western military alignmentand getting defence shipments from China jeopardizes the situation.

By supplyingweapons to the heart of Europe, China has made its presence felt in the region,the report further said. (ANI)