China Views CEE As Gateway To Greater EU Reach

Our Head of Europe looks at how China is moving into Western Europe from the east, facilitated by infrastructure such as the "New Silk Route".

Stepping in as a new partner, bringing fresh funds and opportunities, China is being welcomed into many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The injection of support comes at a crucial time, when EU support for some of the smaller or struggling economies of Eastern Europe has been limited due to the challenging post-crisis landscape.

For China, the CEE region offers more than just a market for its own industries and exports. In fact, there's a much bigger picture. Beijing sees CEE as an essential gateway to expanding its presence in Western Europe.