China in the Western Balkans: influence and strategic challenges

The article investigates the consequences of strengthening China’s position in the Western Balkans, the way Chinese influence is perceived in the region, and the lessons that the European Union could draw from it. The Chinese commitment resulted, in 2012, in the 17+1 strategy, an initiative aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe, in which all the Balkan countries participate - with the exception of Kosovo, not recognized as an independent state from Beijing.

Although the Balkans welcomed China’s commitment with the aim to harness Beijing to revitalise their national economies, the predatory nature of China’s engagement soon emerged, especially during the Pandemic. The degree of influence that China will be able to exert on the Balkans is closely linked to the outcome of the enlargement process of the European Union and to the assertion in the region of a still too hesistant European sovereignty.