The recent news headlines have been dominated with Lithuania’s withdrawal from the China-led 17+1 cooperation forum that incorporates central and eastern European countries. The Baltic country called the forum “divisive” and suggested a more effective 27+1 approach and communication with China for other members of the European Union.
Understanding the 17+1 Initiative
Established in Budapest in 2012, the 17+1 initiative seeks to broaden cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) member nations through trade and investment activities aimed at developing the CEE region. Twelve EU states and five Balkan countries, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia are associated with it.
Aims and Goals of the 17+1 Framework
The 17+1 framework closely aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), focusing on infrastructure projects, such as bridges, roads, railway lines, and port modernization in the member countries. However, India has been consistently opposing BRI since a key part of it runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Fading Relations: An Analysis
Despite China’s aim to strengthen relations with the less developed European countries through the 17+1 initiative, the trade relations remained modest, leading to an increasing trade deficit since its inception. This was exemplified by the Czech Republic President’s decision to forego the ninth 17+1 summit due to a lack of actual investments, showcasing stark differences between China and the CEE countries. Furthermore, several countries decided not to participate in the 2020 BRI event.
The Huawei Issue
Another cause of contention between the countries is the expansion of China’s 5G network. Some nations have signed an agreement with the US to ban China’s 5G expansion.
Understanding the Baltic and Balkan Countries
The Baltic countries, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, lie in the northeastern region of Europe, on the eastern coasts of the Baltic Sea. Despite being not so wealthy in natural resources, Estonia is a significant producer of oil shale. However, a considerable Amount of mineral and energy resources are still imported.
Conversely, the Balkan region, found in Southern Europe, houses ten sovereign states: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. Dominated by South Slavs, the region derives its name from the Balkan Mountain and exhibits a highly diverse ethno-linguistic landscape. The nations of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro speak dialects of Serbo-Croatian, while Bulgarians, Macedonians, and Slovenes have their own Slavic languages.
India’s Connection with Baltic and Balkan Countries
India shares historical connections and common linguistic roots with Baltic countries and has a vast market beneficial for the advanced technology and innovative ecosystems offered by these nations. The relationship between India and Balkan countries also offers plenty of opportunities for trade and cultural exchange despite their geographical distance.