Vučić says Serbia is paying for US-China tensions

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has accused the United States of hurting Serbia’s economy as part of its wider dispute with China.

The comments came after Washington blocked copper imports from Zijin Copper, a Chinese-owned company operating in the eastern Serbian mining town of Bor.

US customs officials say the ban is linked to allegations of forced labour at the site.

They cited claims that workers faced withheld wages, long hours, restricted movement and threats.

Vučić said Serbia was paying the price for tensions between major powers and promised government support for the company.

Zijin denies using forced labour and says it follows Serbian law and international labour standards.