CHINA-BALKANS MONITOR

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2022). One of the most important events in December was the EU - Western Balkans summit. The adoption of anti-Chinese and anti-Russian rhetoric heralded that the candidate countries for inclusion in the EU structures would be forced to significantly limit their economic and political interactions with Moscow and Beijing. In addition, the issue of "illegal" foreign Chinese police stations - including Romania - aroused controversy. Developing cooperation in biomedicine and biotechnology with the Beijing Genomics Institute is crucial in Serbian-Chinese relations. Download the complete information from December with the commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2022). In November, one of the essential pieces of information was the case of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, which will most likely be contracted to build the section of the Bucharest ring despite the legislative blockade that has been in place for over a year. In addition, a draft law has been drafted in Romania that may result in the loss of government subsidies for universities cooperating with Confucius Institutes. In addition, in China-Bulgaria relations, the diplomatic mission of Ambassador Dong Xiaojun in Ruse on the Danube deserves special attention. Download the complete information from November with the commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2022). In October, economic data for the first three quarters of 2022 shows that China has become the leading foreign direct investor in Serbia, ahead of the EU. Moreover, the President of Montenegro expressed his expectations of Beijing regarding the participation of more Chinese companies in infrastructure projects. Additionally, Bulgarian and Croatian politicians show interest in the PRC development model. Download the entire October briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (9/2022). In September, the most important events on the Balkan Peninsula include the meeting of Serbian President with the head of Chinese diplomacy on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. Moreover, special attention is paid to the media activity of the Chinese ambassadors in Bulgaria and Romania, namely Dong Xiaojun and Han Chunlin, regarding strengthening China’s position on international issues and analysing bilateral relations. In addition, one of the most crucial pieces of information is the change in the position of the special representative of the PRC's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for China-CEE cooperation, where the outgoing Huo Yuzhen was replaced by the former Chinese ambassador to Romania, Jiang Yu. Download the entire September briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (7-8/2022). In July and August, the most important events in the Balkan Peninsula include the initiation of the propaganda newsletter "ChinActiv" by the new Chinese ambassador to Romania. In addition, special attention is paid to the activity of Ambassador Han Chunlin, who tries to encourage Romanian local authorities and the SME sector to cooperate with China. Moreover, Serbia and China have launched a direct Beijing-Belgrade air connection, and the Serbian government has plans to ratify a project to launch the Belgrade-Tianjin air connection, operated by the state-owned carrier Air Serbia. Download the entire July and August briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (6/2022). In June, the most critical events in the Balkan Peninsula include the growing competition between the countries of the Balkan Peninsula regarding the development of new cargo connections to and from Asia. Moreover, when Aleksandar Vučić was sworn in as president, the Serbian politician referred to Confucian wisdom, suggesting the course of Serbian foreign policy. In addition, in Bosnia, a Chinese company have started implementing a hydroelectric project without official permits, which is contrary to local law. Download the entire June briefing with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (5/2022). In May, important events in the Balkan Peninsula include changes in the investment portfolio of China in Romania. Due to the legislative block imposed by the Romanian parliament, which in practice excludes the participation of Chinese economic entities in infrastructure projects in Romania, China seems to be expanding its influence in the Romanian aviation sector. In addition, in the face of the growing disappointment with the results of cooperation with China in the CEE region, the statement of the Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic regarding the desire of the local government deserves attention to the development of deeper political and economic relations with the PRC supprised some of the commentators. Download the entire May news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (4/2022). In April, we could observe the delivery of Chinese military equipment to Serbia. The case naturally caught the international community's attention due to regional unrest regarding Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Moreover, the closer cooperation in terms of political and economic relations between China and Greece is worth noticing. Above can be understood as a way to compensate for the number of tourists from China and Russia. Additionally, the PRC ambassador to Bulgaria gave an extensive interview that provided insightful information on the Chinese perception of the war in Ukraine. Download the entire April news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (3/2021). The rhetorical change in relations between the PRC and Romania in March was one of the most important events in the Balkan Peninsula. Particular attention in this regard is drawn from the departure from the arguments used by the PRC since 2016, when China characterized its own political and economic problems in Romania as a result of relations between Beijing and Washington. In addition, in Serbia, a section of the railway linking Belgrade with Budapest has been commissioned, while Bulgaria is suspending the "golden visa" program, the beneficiaries of which were primarily Chinese and Russian citizens. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (2/2022). In February, the most meaningful events in the Balkan Peninsula include the consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on shifts in the foreign policy of the region's countries. Particular attention in this regard is drawn to Belgrade's ambiguous position, which may be the result of unofficial talks between the Russian secretary of the security council, Nikolai Patrushev and Serbian president Aleksandar Vučić. On the eve of the conflict, China intensified diplomatic activities through its embassies in the region to ensure its willingness to maintain cooperation regardless of Russian activities. Download the entire February news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (1/2022). In January, Chinese energy companies expressed strong interest in the HPP projects in Albania and BiH. The possible implementation of the above will undoubtedly increase the number of protests from pro-ecological circles, as most of the planned investments are located in the National Parks. For the same reason, Belgrade thwarted Rio Tinto's lithium mining plant investment, which may be related to the growing diplomatic skirmishes on the Canberra-Belgrade and Beijing lines. For news from January with commentary download here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2021). December saw the PRC-Russia leaders' summit; Nicaragua established diplomatic relations with China and severed ties with Taiwan. The Beijing-Vilnius diplomatic spat escalates in Central and Eastern Europe, and Estonia mules 16 + 1 exit. Moreover, China's CITIC continues the disinvestment process from Slavia Prague, and the Chinese car battery giant is getting ready to invest in CEE. Download the complete information from December with the commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2021). The most important issues regarding China's relations with the Balkan Peninsula countries include the Vietnamese workers' crisis at the Chinese Linglong Tire factory in Serbia in November. In addition, the United States has re-engaged in a nuclear energy project in Romania, which poses a serious problem to Chinese ambitions to undertake this type of investment in Central and Eastern Europe. The increased activity of the region's China's diplomatic missions in the context of the organization of the Winter Olympic Games by Beijing is also noteworthy. The Chinese side wants to avoid an international boycott due to internal policy issues raised on the multilateral forums. Download the complete information from November with the commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2021). The most important events concerning China's relations with the Balkan states include Wang Yi's official visits to Greece and Albania in October. Moreover, Energy China won two energy projects tenders in Romania. We should also note further strengthening of bilateral relations with Serbia at the highest level. American activity in the Eastern Mediterranean is also of key importance in the context of China's political and economic interests. Download the entire October briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (9/2021). In September, Bulgaria's interest in the "Chinese model" of state management was one of the most important events concerning China's relations with the Balkan states. Moreover, Alexander Vucic's statement about the declining enthusiasm of the Western Balkan countries in the context of joining the European Union draws particular attention. It is also worth noting the increased activity of the Chinese minister of transport, Li Xiaopeng, which may herald China's growing interest in inland shipping in the region. Download the entire September briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (7-8/2021).  In July and August, one of the most important events concerning China's relations with the Balkan countries is the Chinese proposal to connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Danube, which would revolutionize trade in this part of the world. In relations between the PRC and other countries in the region, i.e. BiH, Bulgaria and Serbia, attention is drawn to increased investment activity in the implementation of the so-called "Green energy". In addition, China and Greece agreed to increase COSCO's holdings in the port of Piraeus. Download the entire July and August briefing with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (6/2021). In June, the most important developments concerning China's relations with the Balkan countries included the Serbian-Chinese political-economic rapprochement. In the PRC's relations with Montenegro, attention is drawn to the EU's change of position to the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway. Bosnia and Herzegovina have internal problems with developing a common position on Xinjiang, which was highlighted during the 47th UN Human Rights Council. Download the entire June briefing with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (5/2021). May's highlights of China's relations with the Balkan states include the PRC's diplomatic offensive resulting in ministerial-level meetings with Croatia and Serbia. In Sino-Greek relations, attention should be paid to the problems of the Chinese shipowner COSCO, which is unable to meet its investment commitments in Piraeus. The key issue for Montenegro is Xi Jinping's statement on the possibility of renegotiating the troubled loan for the construction of the Bar-Boljare highway. Download the entire May news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (4/2021). In April, the most important events included: The alleged suspension of work by China's Zijin Mining at the Bor mine on the initiative of the Serbian government; the EU's refusal to help to repay a Chinese loan for a highway in Montenegro; the Croatian port authority's withdrawal from a tender favoured by PRC companies. Download the entire April news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (3/2021). Highlights in March included: rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over the implementation of 5G networks in the Balkans; growing PRC interest in infrastructure projects in Serbia; Wei Fenghe's visit to countries in the region; and the Montenegrin government's inconsistency in accepting investment from China. Download the entire March news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (2/2021). In February, the most important events included: the 17+1 summit; disappointment with the COVAX system among CEE states; and support for China's position by Serbian parliamentarians on the situation of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang. Download the entire February news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (1/2021). In January, the most important events on the Balkan Peninsula included the Bulgarian government's cancellation of investment in the construction of a nuclear power plant in Belene. In Romania, on the other hand, special attention is drawn to a government memorandum, in practice excluding the participation of Chinese companies from tenders for infrastructure projects. In the context of the global coronavirus pandemic, the share of the Chinese vaccine on the Serbian market is worth noting, which places the country at the forefront of European countries in terms of the speed of vaccination of the country's population. For news from January with commentary download here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2020). In December, highlights from the Balkan Peninsula in relations with China included the launch of the State Data Center (PCD) project in Serbia; the sale of Chinese energy sector assets in Romania; and local government efforts to promote cooperation with Huawei. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2020). In November, there were sharp exchanges between Romanian Prime Minister Ludovic Orban and a spokesman for the PRC Embassy in Bucharest regarding Huawei's situation. In addition, PowerChina, together with French Alstom, will be involved in the construction of a metro project in Belgrade, which caused quite a controversy in the Middle Kingdom. Download the entire November news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2020). In October, one of the most important developments on the Balkan Peninsula was the U.S. acquisition of the Romanian nuclear power plant project at Cernavoda from China. A puzzling issue is the PRC's position within the UNSC calling for the continuation of the Serbian-Kosovo dialogue. In addition, Bulgaria has joined the bloc of European countries in solidarity with the U.S. on the issue of 5G network expansion. Download the entire October news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (9/2020). On the Balkan Peninsula, one of the highlights in September was Yang Jiechi's visit to Greece. In Serbia, less than two weeks after President Aleksandar Vucic visited the White House, a Huawei innovation and development center opened in Belgrade. In Montenegro, there was a CRBC-Monteput row over the feasibility deadline for the Bar-Boljare highway. Download the entire September news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (7-8/2020). Of particular note in July and August is the award of China's first road contract in Romania. In addition, the PRC is stepping up cooperation with Greece in the context of shipping. In Serbia, the most important news of the past months is the purchase of surface-to-air missiles, which will be operated by Chinese drones at the disposal of the army. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (6/2020). In June, Romania's Nuclearelectrica's refusal to cooperate with China General Nuclear Power Corporation to build nuclear reactors at Cernavoda was formalized. In addition, the authorities in Bucharest are concerned about China's decisions leading to the bypassing of goods transit through Romanian territory. In a broader context, the United States, the European Union, and NATO are implementing actions in countries of the region to combat disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic led by China and Russia. Download the entire June news release with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (5/2020). In May, Bosnia and Herzegovina saw the arrest of individuals linked to the purchase of 100 respirators from China. One of those detained is BiH Federation Prime Minister Fadil Novalić. In Romania, the government broke a contract with China General Nuclear Power Corporation, which was to be involved in constructing reactors 3 and 4 at Cernavoda. In addition, Serbia provided support to the PRC authorities in the context of activities in Hong Kong. Download the entire May news release with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (4/2020). In April, Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced a scandal over the purchase of 100 respirators from China. In Serbia, the BGI company, designated to work with the CEE region, decided to set up two laboratories to help fight coronavirus. In Montenegro, China's CRBC will miss the deadline to complete a section of the Bar-Boljare highway. Download the entire April news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (3/2020). March saw an increase in PRC activity in the Balkan Peninsula to combat coronavirus. Bulgarian and Serbian authorities have openly criticized the EU's efforts to prevent further infections and contain the situation. Amid an unprecedented crisis of European health systems, the emergency aid flowing from China is invaluable but carries a certain political and ideological weight. Download the entire March news story with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (2/2020). In February, China-Balkan relations were curtailed by the rapid spread of coronavirus. One should also note the first visit to Beijing by a high-ranking Serbian government representative since the outbreak in China. In addition, Montenegro admitted 400 construction workers from China, violating recommendations by the country's Institute of Public Health. Download the entire February news story with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (1/2020). In January, the most important developments in China-Balkan relations focused on the Romanian government's breaking of an agreement with China General Nuclear Power Corporation to build new nuclear reactors at Cernavoda. In addition, the reliance of Serbia's infrastructure modernization until 2025 on Chinese loans and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's conversation with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell defines the conditionality of Serbia's accession to the European Union. Download the entire January news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2019). In December, the most important developments in China-Balkan relations focused on Huawei's potential cooperation with Greece, the tender procedure in Bulgaria's Belene and the Serbian government's clarity on cooperation with China and NATO. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2019). In November, one of the highlights was the second edition of the Shanghai China International Import Expo. Special guests included Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and former Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic. Also of note is the series of economic agreements signed between Greece and the PRC following President Xi Jinping's visit to Athens. Download the entire November news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2019). In October, highlights of the PRC's presence on the Balkan Peninsula include the Greek administration's approval of COSCO's expansion of the port of Piraeus; in Serbia, the construction of a industrial park in cooperation with China near Belgrade is under way; and in Montenegro, the implementation of a Chinese investment in Tuzla is raising public protests. Download the entire October news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (9/2019). In September, highlights of the PRC's presence on the Balkan Peninsula included the Serbian President's speech at the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of China-Romania Trade Working Group. Download the entire September news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (7-8/2019). In July and August, the key news items were the upgrading of bilateral relations between Bulgaria and the PRC to a strategic partnership; the increased activity of the Bank of China in opening new outlets on the Balkan Peninsula and also the growing potential for Huawei to develop 5G networks in Greece and Serbia. Download the entire July and August news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (6/2019). In June, the Romanian government notified the public that Huawei is not excluded from obtaining permission to build 5G networks in the country. In addition, there has been a significant increase in interest in the golden visa program from PRC citizens in Greece and in Croatia; China Shipbuilding Corporation appears to have finally given up on investing in the shipbuilding industry there. Download the entire June news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (5/2019). May saw the visit of OZPL Budget Working Committee Director Shi Yaobin to Romania and Bulgaria. China General Nuclear Power renewed interest in nuclear investment in Romania and Serbia came out with a proposal to develop cooperation with Huawei. Download the entire May news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (4/2019). The news of April in the context of the Balkan Peninsula was dominated by the summit of the 16+1 in Dubrovnik. During the summit, Greece joined the initiative. Additionally, the Romanian government signed some promising agreements with China. Download the entire April news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (3/2019). Highlights in March included the visit of the Greek Foreign Minister to Beijing; government guarantees by BiH for a Chinese energy investment in Tuzla; and the potential economic expansion of Zijin Mining Group in Serbia. Download the entire March news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (2/2019). February's highlights include news of Huawei's involvement in the installation of a city surveillance system in Belgrade, the opening of a demonstration zone for 16+1 format agricultural cooperation in Plovdiv, and Chinese photovoltaic investment in Crete, Greece. Download the entire February news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (1/2019). In January, Chinese entrepreneurs announced several investment plans in Serbia, Vodafone suspended cooperation with Huawei in Romania and there was a change of PRC ambassadors in Serbia and Albania. In addition, most countries on the Balkan Peninsula saw significant increases in tourism from the People's Republic of China. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2018). December saw the third edition of the Belgrade Strategic Dialogue on cooperation with China, China's CSI of Shandong concluded a concession contract for highway construction in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia's RTB Bor officially passed into Chinese hands. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2018). November saw the China International Import Expo gathering delegations from Balkan Peninsula countries; China urged support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's economic development at the UN, and Zijin Mining Group acquired gold and copper mines in Serbia. Download the entire November news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2018). In October, the 3rd Summit of 16+1 Format Transport Ministers was held in Belgrade. China is interested in investing in Romania's railroad sector. Expert talks were held in Tirana on the future of Sino-Albanian relations under the 16+1 Format and the Belt and Road Initiative. Download the entire October news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (9/2018). In September, CRBC announced plans to establish an industrial park near Belgrade; COSCO will open another European branch in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and China National Nuclear Corporation became the most serious candidate to construct a nuclear power plant in Bulgaria's Belene. Download the entire September news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (8/2018). In August, China's CSCE expressed interest in investing in Tuzla airport. Shandong Linglong announced greenfield investment in Serbia. Zijin Mining made official its acquisition of RTB Bor mine. Download the entire August news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (6-7/2018). In June, China and Serbia agreed on social security and July was dominated by the summit of the 16+1 format countries in Sofia. There were also many meetings between CEE heads of government and the Chinese prime minister on this occasion. For the entire June and July news and commentary, please click here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (5/2018). In May, Bulgaria revisited the idea of a nuclear power plant in Belene, the construction of which will likely be handled by the China National Nuclear Corporation. Bosnia and Herzegovina is introducing visa-free travel with China and Serbia is planning to sign an agreement to build a Belgrade-Budapest rail link. Download the entire May news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (4/2018). In April, the EU and the Italian government laid charges for Chinese activity in the Greek port of Piraeus; Croatia signed a deal to build the Peljesac bridge and Serbian Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic paid an official visit to Beijing. Download the entire April news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (3/2018). The 16+1 Cultural Cooperation Coordination Center in Skopje was inaugurated in March; Asia's largest wind farm producer is considering expanding its operations in Poland and Serbia; China National Nuclear Corporation plans to build a nuclear power plant in northern Bulgaria. Download the entire March news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (2/2018). In February, Greek Prime Minister Yannis Dragasakis, in a media interview, distanced himself from cooperation with China in a desire to strengthen economic ties with other Asian countries, a Chinese contractor was selected in Bosnia and Herzegovina to build a highway, and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev held a conversation with Angela Merkel on cooperation with China.  Download the entire February news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (1/2018). In January, Chinese company COSCO planned further expansion at the port of Piraeus, a new industrial park will be built in Serbia with the participation of Chinese investors, while Hainan Province is preparing for regional cooperation with Romania. Download the entire January news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (12/2017). Construction of the Serbian section of the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railroad began in December. China is working with Romania to ease visa procedures. Macedonia received a $2.5 million non-refundable grant from the PRC. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chinese companies have undertaken further investments in the energy sector and Serbia is set to become a logistics hub for e-commerce platform Alibaba. Download the entire December news with commentary here.

China-Balkans Monitor (11/2017). The past month saw the 16+1 format summit in Budapest, where, among other things, a new funding body for Chinese investment in the CEE region was introduced, Bulgarian exports suffered a bureaucratic mix-up, while in Romania, CEEC plans to acquire a TV platform. The region has also seen an increase in Chinese investment in the energy sector. Download the entire November news with commentary here. 

China-Balkans Monitor (10/2017). In October, a Serbian minister announced an investment by China Road and Bridge Co. that is expected to create 10,000 jobs. The Montenegrin government rejected the Polish offer to purchase shares of Luka Bar, a port operator under state control likely in favor of Chinese operators. The first Greek investment forum was announced in the Shaanxi provincial capital, Xi'an. Bulgaria saw an increase in tourism from PRC citizens. Air China announced the launch of a direct flight between Athens and Beijing. Download the entire October news with commentary here.