China's Increasing Cooperation with CEE: A policy to Counterbalance the EU?

Authors : İshak Turan
Pages : 2675-2696
Doi:10.15869/itobiad.1781109
View : 60 | Download : 227
Publication Date : 2025-12-31
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :China\\\'s successful implementation of its outward-looking policies and its acceptance into the WTO after the Cold War have led to a reduction in trade barriers. China has thereby accelerated its economic rise and developed its methods of cooperation with regional institutions. China, which initiated official and commercial relations with the EU in the 1970s, took a holistic approach to Europe until the 2010s due to its concerns about attracting investment and export concern. However, the rise of voices calling for preventing increasing dependence on China in the mid-2000s and the loss of income and employment suffered by European countries during 2008 economic crisis marked an important turning point. On the other hand, China\\\'s success during this period and its substitution of Central and Eastern European countries played an active role in the establishment of the 17+1 platform. China\\\'s promise to increase its global investments under the BRI has also increased interest in China across Europe. This has also raised suspicions that China is involved in a new initiative to divide the EU from within through its 17+1 platform in Europe. The main objective of this study is to reveal what China aims to achieve through its multifaceted cooperation in Europe and to determine how realistic the growing suspicions about China are. This study applies a qualitative research method, utilizing fieldwork, pre-interviews, and comprehensive data analysis. The findings of the study indicate that there has been no significant change in China\\\'s traditional perspective toward Europe, and investments in the 17+1 countries are not large enough to divide the EU. China\\\'s trade and investment policies continue to focus heavily on Western European countries. On the other hand, China\\\'s projects, acquisitions, and construction activities in different parts of Europe show that it is seeking to advance its national interests across the continent.
Keywords : 17+1, Avrupa Birliği, CEE, Çin, İş Birliği

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