Figen Aydın
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Abstract
The Balkan geography has geopolitical importance as a part of the European continent with its natural location. The region, which holds together countries that are important in the history of the continent, connects Europe to Asia and the Middle East. The geopolitics of the Balkans, which offer a geographical intersection, inevitably becomes an important arena for the sphere of influence of great powers. Continuing its economic growth, China considered increasing its contacts with the Balkan countries as of the end of the 20th century. The political changes that the Balkans went through did not lead to a deep change in China’s Balkan policy; on the contrary, it tried to strengthen its ties with the countries of the region that had a fragmented structure after Yugoslavia.
There are several basic reasons why the Balkan countries are skeptical about China and the Belt and Road Project. Economic and political concerns make the Balkan countries suspicious of the Chinese economy and political influence. Inspired by the historical Silk Road route, the Belt and Road is a geopolitical development and investment project launched to ensure China’s economic integration with all countries in the world. The fact that geopolitics is at the core of the project and investments come to the forefront makes it easier for China to focus on developing economies. China has overlapping interests with the Balkan countries. The fact that the Balkan countries need investment, are geographically close to European markets and are prone to cooperation deepens China’s policies in the Balkans. However, the possibility that cooperation with China will distance the Balkan countries from EU membership reveals the damage that the Balkan countries will suffer.
Keywords: Balkan Geopolitics, China-Balkan Relations, Belt and Road Initiative, Economic and Political Influence, EU Membership Challenges
China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Balkans Regional Economic and Political Impacts
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