Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents an overview of each Nordic country's bilateral relations with China, and how each has handled the challenges and opportunities arising in relations with Beijing. It argues that while the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is still taking shape, it is clear that its main motivation is to increase trade and investment along China's periphery. The book outlines Denmark's relationship with China, which is described as having become much stronger and far more diversified since the late 1990s. It also examines that Iceland was far behind the other Nordic states in formally opening relations with the People's Republic. The book then explores that the Swedish government is forced by public opinion and by business interests to perform a balancing act between political and commercial objectives.