The 16+1 Initiative and Challenges for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries
The 16+1 Initiative and Challenges for Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries

Author(s): Marcin Przychodniak
Subject(s): Economic policy, International relations/trade, Developing nations, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: China; Central Europe;Eastern Europe;
Summary/Abstract: It has been five years since the establishment of cooperation in the 16+1 format between China and Central and Eastern European countries. The initiative still serves as a tool to support Chinese interests in bilateral relations with separate CEE countries, rather than as a forum to accomplish common goals and projects. This was confirmed by the sixth 16+1 summit, held in Budapest on 27 November, which was dominated (like previous meetings) by competition between the “16” for Chinese investments and funds. There is little to suggest that this situation will change before the next summit, to be held in Bulgaria in 2018. For Poland, the 16+1 initiative could become a useful instrument for cooperation. However, this will only happen if China offers real reciprocity in terms of economic relations.

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