New Approaches in the Relationship Between China and CEE
New Approaches in the Relationship Between China and CEE

Author(s): Iulia Monica Oehler-Sincai
Subject(s): Economy, Supranational / Global Economy
Published by: Институт за икономически изследвания при Българска академия на науките
Summary/Abstract: At present, one can trace four categories of CEE countries according to their attitude towards China: pillars of China-CEE cooperation (Serbia and Hungary); countries aligned with the EU attitude towards China and NATO objectives (most CEE countries, which are included in subcategories dominated by either prudence or pragmatism); countries discouraged to cooperate with China by Western mass media (Bosnia-Herzegovina); provocative partners (Czechia and the Baltic States). Taking into account relevant factors currently undermining relations in the 14+1 framework, one can assume that the future of China-CEE cooperation is uncertain. Among the EU member states, the majority of the CEE countries see the United States similar to Czechia (as stated in its Indo-Pacific Strategy): a natural partner and close ally. By contrast, China is seen simultaneously as a partner, as an economic adversary, and especially as a systemic rival. This paper has as its main objective the analysis of various factors currently influencing CEE relations with China and explains why the former enthusiasm towards cooperation has vanished.

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