Serbia received Chinese anti-aircraft systems in a veiled operation amid Western fears that a military buildup in the Balkans during the war in Ukraine could threaten the fragile peace in the region, AP reported.

Media and military experts reported on Sunday that six Chinese Air Force Y-20 transport planes landed early Saturday at Belgrade's civilian airport, delivering HQ-22 anti-aircraft missile systems to the Serbian armed forces.

Arms deliveries to the territory of at least two NATO member countries, Turkey and Bulgaria, were regarded by experts as a demonstration of China's growing global influence.

Serbian military analyst Aleksandar Radić stated that the Chinese carried out a show of force.