17+1 Cooperation: An Overall Assessment on China-Central and Eastern European Countries Relations

Abstract

Considering the steps taken by the Republic of China to lead the new world order with its 'go global' policy and the proximity of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries to the world's largest market economy, the 17+1 initiative, which aims to invigorate the Belt and Road Initiative with CEE, has enormous potential. China has increased its trade volumes and improved economic relations with CEE countries in recent years and has backed up its targets with political and societal projects. However, due to various reasons, such as China's late engagement in the region and its incomplete infrastructure project, doubts exist as to whether China will reach its long-term targets. This article aims to draw attention to the potential of China's economic, political and societal relations with CEE in the context of the 17+1 initiative by reviewing primary and secondary sources. The study elaborates on the 17+1 initiative in a descriptive and explanatory way and concludes that growing economic relations with CEE countries will not be single indicators of China's objectives but that China's concrete projects and willpower will be determinants of its objectives.

The Evolution of China’s Economic Engagement in Central and Eastern Europe

“…Now China is taking a broader view towards Central Europe, including the Balkan countries, in starting the 17+1 initiative. The Chinese diplomats expedited every channel to gain economic cooperation and control the CEE countries under soft-power diplomacy (Üncel & Guner, 2021). Furthermore, China's BRI is meant to control economic influence in Europe through this economic engagement.…”