CONNECTIONS OF CHINA WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE WESTERN BALKANS
CONNECTIONS OF CHINA WITH THE COUNTRIES OF THE WESTERN BALKANS

Summary/Abstract: With the past export-led economic growth that has gradually become a tool of the Chinese soft power, China showcased globally a powerful and inviting policy of economic power in action. Investment-seeking countries, especially from the Western Balkans, are willing to show their eagerness towards Chinese loans and capital. On the reverse side, China presents itself as an equally eager investor, and can be counted in all situations, including when Chinese investors picked up projects declined by the EU. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), referred to as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, is seen by many as an ambitious game-changing plan devised by China to project its increasing economic and political power worldwide – even if in geographical terms it covers ‘only’ Eurasia and eastern Africa. The perception of China’s foreign policy capacity has been changing lately, especially after the introduction of the One Belt One Road initiative. Aiming to re-establish a new Silk Road, the project is as ambitious and lengthy as another Chinese key strategic plan: the 13th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China (2016-2020).

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