ABSTRACT
As a major innovative diplomatic practice of China, China–Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) Cooperation is a format for practical cooperation between different regions in the world. Some of the characteristics of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can be found in the model, such as great flexibility, a cooperation model based on common understanding instead of legal contracts, freedom from ideology and geo-politics, and function as supplement to China–EU cooperation. In synergy with the BRI, China–CEEC Cooperation has made good progress in model building, economic and trade ties, financial cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and local cooperation. The format is also faced with a number of challenges; in particular, it has become important how relations with stakeholders such as the US, Germany, and Russia should be handled. This article also offers a list of policy recommendations for China–CEEC Cooperation in the context of the BRI.
