THE BALKANS: China and Serbia signed an agreement today to build a “shared future,” making the country the first in Europe to do so.

After meeting in Belgrade, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Serbian President Vucic announced they would “deepen and elevate the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Serbia,” and “build a new era of a community with a shared future between” them.

Mr Xi travelled to Hungary later today. Like Serbia, Hungary is seen as one of China’s friendlier partners in Europe.