China's rise in the Western Balkans
Mapping China’s strategic interests in the Western Balkans.
The rise in Chinese influence in the Western Balkans over the last decade is among the most significant geopolitical developments in Europe. As an element of Beijing’s wide internationalisation efforts to expand its global footprint, the country has been working to improve its position in several key sectors, from energy and infrastructure to culture, education and media. A lot of these investments are linked to the Belt and Road initiative. Giuseppe Porcaro and Alicia García-Herrero invite Mira Milosevich-Juaristi to help navigate the Chinese investments in the Balkans and their strategic importance and what this means for Europe.
This episode is part of the ZhōngHuá Mundus series of The Sound of Economics.
ZhōngHuá Mundus is a newsletter by Bruegel, bringing you monthly analysis of China in the world, as seen from Europe.
Related content
Key takeaways from China’s Two Sessions
Unpacking China’s biggest annual political event
South Korea's semiconductor strategy
Economic ties are being reshaped by the semiconductor industry's evolution
Expectations and outcomes of the 24th EU-China summit
Was the Summit another ‘dialogue of the deaf’?
China’s third attempt to internationalise its currency
What will happen if China manages to strengthen the RMB?