Belgrade - "Chinese modernization is not merely an economic phenomenon, but a new model of development demonstrating that progress does not require the loss of one's own identity," Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Budimir Aleksic has said.

Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic (C), Chinese Ambassador to Montenegro Chen Xufeng (R), and Montenegrin Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Filip Radulovic attend a ceremony marking the resumption of the reconstruction work of the Tara River Bridge following a winter pause in Zabljak, Montenegro, April 20, 2026. (Photo/Xinhua)

In a recent interview with Xinhua on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Montenegro and China, Aleksic said that over the past two decades, he has witnessed a deepening friendship between the two peoples and has been deeply fascinated by Chinese civilization that "seamlessly blends millennia-old tradition with visionary modernization."

He added that he has keenly felt the Chinese partners' "incredible attention to detail and long-term planning."

"During my visit to China in May 2025, I had the unique opportunity to see cities pulsating with the energy of progress, while also feeling the tranquility of tea gardens where time is measured by patience," Aleksic told Xinhua, saying that he was fascinated by the beauty of Ningbo, the strength of Beijing, and the advancement of Shanghai during his trip.

Aleksic said he particularly remembered a conversation in Beijing about the saying that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"For Montenegro and China, that first step taken two decades ago was rooted in mutual respect for sovereignty. Today, that journey has evolved into a path connected by tangible bridges in infrastructure, science, and culture," he said.

Aleksic highly praised the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that through participation in Belt and Road cooperation, Montenegro has become part of "a global network that fosters connectivity."

Reflecting on the current geopolitical landscape, he notes that in a time of global turbulence, China's initiatives for global development, security, and civilizational dialogue offer a much-needed balance. "Our bilateral cooperation is a microcosm of that vision."

"We have demonstrated that geographical distance and differences in the size of our countries are not obstacles when there is a shared goal: peace and prosperity for our citizens," he said.

Aleksic also highlighted that the Global Civilization Initiative reminds people that cultural exchange and mutual understanding are the very soul of any policy. "Without such a spirit, progress is impossible," he stressed.

"Looking ahead, I hope that the next two decades will bring even stronger connectivity in the fields of green energy, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and youth education. I want to see generations of Montenegrins and Chinese collaborating on scientific projects, just as successfully as we built our first major infrastructural projects," he noted.

"Our friendship is both precious and enduring. It is our shared responsibility to cherish it carefully and enrich it with new achievements," Aleksic said. "I congratulate us on this great jubilee with the firm belief that the best is yet to come."