Serbia, a NATO partner and candidate for European Union membership, has recently become the first European country to arm itself with Chinese-made CM-400AKG missiles. This acquisition signals Serbia's continued arms buildup, despite its efforts to balance relationships with NATO and the EU alongside historical ties with Russia and strategic partnerships with China. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced the purchase during a live broadcast on state television, revealing that the Serbian air force has modified its Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets to accommodate these advanced air-to-surface missiles. The CM-400AKG, which can carry significant warheads and has a operational range of up to 400 kilometers, poses potential shifts in military power in the Balkans, notably alarming regional neighbors such as Croatia. Croatia condemned the missile acquisition as a direct threat to regional stability and highlighted concerns about an escalating military race in the Balkans. Vucic, while maintaining a vague stance on the cost of the missiles, hinted at a modest discount for the purchase, which aligns with Serbia's commitment to allocate approximately 2.6% of its GDP towards military expenditures this year. This missile acquisition not only reflects Serbia's military aspirations but also indicates a growing rift in the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Europe, challenging the existing military equilibrium and raising fears of future conflicts.