In his article “China’s Inroads into the West,” Global Fellow Nicola Casarini discusses the possible development of new trades routes between China and the EU including the ‘one belt, one road’ (OBOR) initiative. Casarini highlights the impact struggling Chinese markets have on Europe and the Euro, and notes that China is investing in European infrastructure to increase trade access. Hungary, Poland and Balkan states are becoming important partners for China, as Beijing intends to use these countries as main access points to Europe. According to Casarini, in Brussels, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker hopes to use Chinese investment as a way spur economic growth and job creation. Meanwhile, the U.S. is increasingly concerned with Chinese influence in Europe. Casarini concludes that China’s investment in Europe could be a response to Washington’s growing involvement in Asia.
This piece was originally published in Chatham House’s magazine The World Today, which presents authoritative analysis and commentary on current topics.
Read the full piece here.