Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip to the Western Balkan state strengthens the so-called steel friendship that has developed between Beijing and Belgrade. In Serbia, China is seen as the strongest ally after Russia.

A ship bearing the flame has docked in the southern port of Marseille. Athletes, public figures and ordinary citizens will now carry the symbol of Olympic tradition to Paris in a relay across the country.

Paris hosts the Olympic Games this summer, but it's in a city founded by the ancient Greeks that it all begins. The Olympic flame has arrived in the Mediterranean port of Marseille, the start of a long journey to the July 26 opening ceremony.