United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade — May 1999 bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade
A US airstrike killed three Chinese journalists at Belgrade's Chinese embassy, causing a major diplomatic crisis between the US and China.
Key Facts
- Date
- May 7, 1999
- Deaths
- 3 Chinese journalists killed
- Injured
- 27 others injured
- US compensation to victims
- $4.5 million USD
- US compensation to China
- $28 million for embassy damages USD
- Bombs dropped
- 5 JDAM satellite-guided bombs
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, the CIA organized a strike intended to hit the Yugoimport weapons importer headquarters. The agency miscalculated the building's coordinates from its address, selecting a target 440 meters north — the location of the Chinese embassy. US map and satellite imagery analysis failed to identify the building as an embassy.
On May 7, 1999, a US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber dropped five JDAM bombs on the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, killing three Chinese journalists and injuring twenty-seven others. President Clinton apologized, calling it accidental. One CIA officer was later fired. The CIA director testified it was the only bombing in the campaign organized by his agency.
The attack triggered mass anti-US protests across China, with crowds destroying vehicles and setting fire to the US Consul General's residence in Chengdu. The US paid $4.5 million to victims and $28 million to China for damages. The incident accelerated China's military modernization, prompting the PLA to develop cyberwarfare, anti-satellite capabilities, and reassess nuclear weapons policy.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Bill Clinton, George Tenet.
Side B
1 belligerent