The New Silk Road Ten Years On – Results from Hungary, Serbia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan

Authors: Valentin Krüsmann, Julia Langbein, Beril Ocakli, Tamás Peragovics

In: Osteuropa, 2023 (7-9), 359-368.

Abstract

It has been said that the New Silk Road allows China to assert its interests by financing and implementing major infrastructure projects. Further, within its partner countries, China raised expectations of “win-win” situations that were not fulfilled. Results in Hungary, Serbia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan show that local actors and conditions influence Chinese engagement more than was previously assumed. China is expanding its presence in countries and regions that are also of particular interest to Russia. By doing so, it is becoming a competitor for Russia, not a partner.