China and Central Europe: Success or Failure?

Abstract

China did not play a significant role in Central Europe for decades following the transition from communism to capitalism in the region. The global financial crisis and the economic struggles of the European Union, however, have fundamentally changed the situation. China has gradually become an important economic and political partner to many countries of Central Europe since 2011 and the rise of Beijing’s influence has drawn European and American attention to the region once again. The present book offers an insight into bilateral relations between China and some of the most significant Central European countries and attempts to explain the motives and interests of the involved parties. The authors agree that China’s influence in the region is limited and concerns about its potentially malign intentions are exaggerated in most cases. Still, the Chinese presence in Central European countries is here to stay and it is of utmost importance to analyse and to understand the role it plays in the region.