Plus One

While “bigger” countries in Europe and the EU are struggling with finding a new China policy, the Baltic states have approached China with a curious mix of independence and engagement.

Polluting coal facilities in southwestern Romania have adversely affected the well-being of the local population and the environment. But rather than phase them out, the EU member state is planning to build a new coal-fired plant, drawing on Chinese investment – even as the EU moves toward a zero-coal future. 

For years, concerns in Brussels and Western European capitals about the security of southeastern Europe have centered on the threat posed by Putin’s Russia. But behind these fears the question of China looms large.

A recent controversy surrounding the Czech-Chinese Center, a program at the top university in the Czech Republic, is the latest in a series of "shenanigans" that have drawn public attention to relations with China, says Martin Hala. 

If enthusiasm on both sides is any indication, the increasing defence relationship between China and Serbia can be expected the grow even closer in the future. 

Polish policymakers have had a growing interest in recent years in the ideas of Chinese economist Justin Lin Yifu. But to what extent have Lin's prescriptions been adopted, and do they actually suit Poland's domestic context? 

By some accounts countries in Central and Eastern Europe have grown weary of grand promises of Chinese investment and trade gains that have failed to materialize.

A fever for investment from China in the Czech Republic in recent years led to lack of vigilance over forced technology transfers and hostile takeovers.

In recent years, Poland has been seen by some observers as a willing decoy for China as it seeks to wedge itself into Europe, and the arrest in January of a Huawei executive seemed like a change of heart. But were things ever so simple?