ABSTRACT

During the last decade and a half, the Western Balkans (former Yugoslav countries excluding Slovenia, but with the addition of Albania) became a region of interest for China. Historically, China was not involved in the region except for the alliance with Hoxha’s Albania in the 1960s and a modest opening to Tito’s Yugoslavia after Mao’s death. After being mostly absent from the region during the Balkan wars, China started entering Western Balkan countries, first of all economically in the late 2000s, accelerating its involvement during the 2010s. Its presence remains economic, focusing mostly on infrastructure projects in transport and energetics, financed with Chinese debt. It would seem that China wants to use the Western Balkans, which hold a significant place in its 17+1 Initiative, as a back door to the European Union (EU). Besides, with the West seemingly losing interest in the region, and political ties between China and Serbia strengthening, China may be on course to become a more significant political player than ever in this part of Europe.