China is a relatively new actor in Central and Eastern Europe, and unlike other geopolitical players, its interests and influence in the region have not yet received sufficient attention from experts, policymakers, journalists, or the general public. This lack of information and analysis complicates the ability of regional actors to respond to Chinese initiatives and understand their impacts on local politics, economy, and security environments.
The China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE) project aims to address this gap. It creates an inclusive platform for China experts from Central and Eastern European countries, enabling the sharing of experiences, open discussion, and independent analytical work. The project focuses on critically assessing the cooperation format with China (14+1), the Belt and Road Initiative, and other Chinese projects in the region, aiming to inform both the public and the expert community about their current and potential impacts.
Key activities include organizing expert discussions, roundtables, and workshops; publishing analytical articles, briefings, and studies; and managing a web platform that serves as a primary English-language source of information on Chinese activities in the region. The project also fosters the creation of new connections between individuals and research institutions and contributes to knowledge sharing for future projects.
CHOICE is implemented by the Association for International Affairs (AMO) since July 2018 and is supported by the National Endowment for Democracy. Through its combination of expert outputs and networking activities, CHOICE has established itself as a key platform for monitoring Chinese activities and strengthening regional expertise on China.
Project activities can be followed on its website and via Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Recent events involving Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs), such as the Huawei scandal and the trial of Maximilian Krah's assistant, highlighted the vulnerability of the European Parliament (EP) to Chinese influence and intelligence operations.
China is among the biggest global importers of all the Western Balkans extractive exports. Extractives and raw materials are indispensable for China due to their crucial role in supporting the country’s manufacturing sector, fueling economic growth, and driving technological advancements across various industries.
In a brand new CHOICE paper, China’s development assistance to all the countries that make up the Western Balkans is put under the microscope.
