"China's rising influence in Balkans must be understood"
Former US Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter says it is necessary for the West to pay more attention to the Western Balkans.
Source: B92
Close the entire text of the article here
(File)
"In the first six months of US President Donald Trump's administration, five foreign policy challenges have dominated the national and international spotlight," writes Munter.
The Balkans is not mentioned there - even if, "through it all, it has been easy to forget that, not so long ago, much of the world's attention was fixed on it."
However, he remarked, many problems remain unsolved in this region.
"The Dayton Accords that ended the Bosnian war in 1995 provide a rickety and often unworkable structure for self-governance; Serbia and Kosovo have not yet reconciled, a necessary step if both are to achieve their self-proclaimed goal of membership in the European Union; domestic challenges still linger in Macedonia and in EU member state Croatia; and the region's best and brightest are leaving in search of opportunity elsewhere. Meanwhile, the region's enormous potential for economic devolvement, from tourism to innovation in information technology, is being explored only marginally," Munter said.
According to him, geopolitical problems and ethnic tension are once again surfacing in the Balkan and are creating potential danger for the region.
"The question is, will Western leaders take notice and step up in time? The good news is there's hope for progress, and in this case, it starts with the economy. The Western Balkans need economic support, as was made clear at a recent meeting of the Berlin process adherents in Trieste, which focused on regional economic integration," Munter wrote.
But - observed the former US envoy to Serbia - "external parties" are also "making a mark on the region's economies":
"China, for instance, has shown significant interest in investing in the Balkans' infrastructure as part of its Belt and Road Initiative - an ambitious, multinational program that has become a policy priority for Beijing. China already has had a discernible impact on several projects in the region, including a high-speed rail line connecting Belgrade and Budapest; the Adriatic highway, which will link Albania, Montenegro and EU members Greece and Italy; and the port of Piraeus, which a Chinese company has purchased to create a shipping route from Greece through the Western Balkans to EU markets."
"But now, more than ever, the Balkans are interested in engaging more closely with the West to help address the region's budding problems," said Munter, and added:
"European leaders, most notably Germany, continue to watch the region as Russia maintains its presence - to the consternation of some observers - in Serbia's energy sector. Despite its often-difficult relationship with the region, the United States will need to make its presence known there once again. After all, Washington has considerable interests in the Balkans, particularly the NATO-led Kosovo Force and foreign direct investments. Moreover, it is equally important that the people of the Balkans have a clear and accurate understanding of the consequences of the rising influence of China, which will be active in the region for years to come."
According to him, it is important to understand that "foreign actors are not the panacea to the region's emerging issues."
"Rather, it's crucial that not only governments but also key societal players in the Balkans - from businesses to universities to nongovernmental organizations - work with outside forces to help shape the future of the region. Resolution begins from within. Indeed, some measure of hope can be taken from the fact that Belgrade and Pristina have opened a dialogue intended to ease tension between them. Meanwhile, Macedonia's new government, which rose to power in June, has already made great strides in improving relations with its neighbors by addressing possible solutions to a dispute with Greece over the recognition of Macedonia's name; by pledging increased cooperation between Skopje and Tirana; and, after two decades of negotiation, by signing a friendship treaty with Bulgaria," Munter wrote.
Nevertheless, he added, "this progress will need to accelerate as other problematic developments, including heightened flows of migrants to the region from Africa and the Middle East, exacerbate the rise of the Muslim, Croatian and Serbian nationalist voices that underpin ethnic and social discontent."
"The Balkans could still prove to be a surprising success story in the years ahead. But as the region drifts beyond the attention of prominent global leaders, its chances of sinking back into the instability of its past will only increase if the world continues to watch from the sidelines," Munter warned.
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47) you keep thinking that ,the EU is finished...america and nato are finished,russia,china is the way to go....serbia won't join that criminal enterprise you call EU...they are falling and will be done in 2018....russia ,china and the brics and the east is the way to go.....america and their little old allies are done...get into the real world not albanian fantasy....
(nwo is arriving, 30 August 2017 22:23)
I know China’s debt ratio mate because I work in the industry and my advice to someone who thinks selling Apple Corp means the proceeds go to the US Government, I would not believe everything printed or said in the western media mate.
The Chinses population is spending big on investment in personal assets such as real estate throughout the world and that is the reason for the debt mate.
China has currently 4.5 trillion in foreign reserves plus nearly as much in gold reserves. How does the US compare to that one mate?
Then there is China spending big on its Road and Belt program meanwhile what does the US spend its borrowed money on? Yes borrowed money, Ahhh yes wars it loses LOL.
The US has a debt to GDP ratio of 600% comprising of $23 plus trillion of state and federal debt which is 120% of GDP and the rating agencies have not touched its ratings meanwhile they have threatened Australia despite that country only having debt to GDP of 25%. How does that happen?
The reason why the US dollar is sought after is because it’s the only world currency available since Beijing will not allow the Yuan to become the world currency. How much of the current devastation in Texas will be repaired?
However, this information does not apply to Albanians who think that money is something growing on trees.
(sj, 30 August 2017 10:33)
Many years ago, the "transatlantic" allies attempted to curb Chinese influence in the Balkans by bombing the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
That, alas, didn't seem to work.
Hence, Mr. Cameron's today's episode of anti-Chinese hair-pulling, chest-thumping, threat-making, finger-pointing and trash-talking which undoubtedly will have as much impact on the Chinese in Serbia as the embassy-bombing.
Get over it, Mr. Munter. The sun rises in the East and it sets in the West. If you can't beat the Chinese, join them: Serbia would welcome your investments which US Government have been offering - falsely - since 1999 or so.
(DEDA CVETKO, 30 August 2017 08:58)
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54) #
The dollar has lost 7 to 10 per cent value in last 2 months (July , August). Check your BS to us 😀)))))
(sasa.p from near Jagodina, Serbia, 29 August 2017 22:51)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
sj,
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
USA, England and Germany with full blessing of the Roman Catholic Empire created and are sustaining the destablization of the Balkans !!!
How can the Balkans ever be stable again ever with the actions of USA, England and Germany in the 1990's ? I predict very sever consequences for all of Europe for supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase ! Roman Catholic Empire Europe imagines that it will sit by safe and sound while the Balkans melt down ? So the USA, England and Germany can continue to destabilize Eastern Orthodox Christianity of the Balkans by supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase but what will happen when Dear Mother Russia steps in for intervention ? So you all see the consequences that will for sure result so very negative for all Europe well before the end of this century !!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 29 August 2017 15:46)
USA, England and Germany with full blessing of the Roman Catholic Empire created and are sustaining the destablization of the Balkans !!!
How can the Balkans ever be stable again ever with the actions of USA, England and Germany in the 1990's ? I predict very sever consequences for all of Europe for supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase ! Roman Catholic Empire Europe imagines that it will sit by safe and sound while the Balkans melt down ? So the USA, England and Germany can continue to destabilize Eastern Orthodox Christianity of the Balkans by supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase but what will happen when Dear Mother Russia steps in for intervention ? So you all see the consequences that will for sure result so very negative for all Europe well before the end of this century !!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 29 August 2017 15:46)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
sj,
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
Many years ago, the "transatlantic" allies attempted to curb Chinese influence in the Balkans by bombing the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
That, alas, didn't seem to work.
Hence, Mr. Cameron's today's episode of anti-Chinese hair-pulling, chest-thumping, threat-making, finger-pointing and trash-talking which undoubtedly will have as much impact on the Chinese in Serbia as the embassy-bombing.
Get over it, Mr. Munter. The sun rises in the East and it sets in the West. If you can't beat the Chinese, join them: Serbia would welcome your investments which US Government have been offering - falsely - since 1999 or so.
(DEDA CVETKO, 30 August 2017 08:58)
I know China’s debt ratio mate because I work in the industry and my advice to someone who thinks selling Apple Corp means the proceeds go to the US Government, I would not believe everything printed or said in the western media mate.
The Chinses population is spending big on investment in personal assets such as real estate throughout the world and that is the reason for the debt mate.
China has currently 4.5 trillion in foreign reserves plus nearly as much in gold reserves. How does the US compare to that one mate?
Then there is China spending big on its Road and Belt program meanwhile what does the US spend its borrowed money on? Yes borrowed money, Ahhh yes wars it loses LOL.
The US has a debt to GDP ratio of 600% comprising of $23 plus trillion of state and federal debt which is 120% of GDP and the rating agencies have not touched its ratings meanwhile they have threatened Australia despite that country only having debt to GDP of 25%. How does that happen?
The reason why the US dollar is sought after is because it’s the only world currency available since Beijing will not allow the Yuan to become the world currency. How much of the current devastation in Texas will be repaired?
However, this information does not apply to Albanians who think that money is something growing on trees.
(sj, 30 August 2017 10:33)
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54) #
The dollar has lost 7 to 10 per cent value in last 2 months (July , August). Check your BS to us 😀)))))
(sasa.p from near Jagodina, Serbia, 29 August 2017 22:51)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47)
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47) you keep thinking that ,the EU is finished...america and nato are finished,russia,china is the way to go....serbia won't join that criminal enterprise you call EU...they are falling and will be done in 2018....russia ,china and the brics and the east is the way to go.....america and their little old allies are done...get into the real world not albanian fantasy....
(nwo is arriving, 30 August 2017 22:23)
USA, England and Germany with full blessing of the Roman Catholic Empire created and are sustaining the destablization of the Balkans !!!
How can the Balkans ever be stable again ever with the actions of USA, England and Germany in the 1990's ? I predict very sever consequences for all of Europe for supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase ! Roman Catholic Empire Europe imagines that it will sit by safe and sound while the Balkans melt down ? So the USA, England and Germany can continue to destabilize Eastern Orthodox Christianity of the Balkans by supporting Albanian Islamic terrorist and Croatian Nazi Ustase but what will happen when Dear Mother Russia steps in for intervention ? So you all see the consequences that will for sure result so very negative for all Europe well before the end of this century !!!
(Dragoljub Djurkovic, 29 August 2017 15:46)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47)
Cameron my lad here is some advice. The Chinese are doing exactly what the US did after WW1,but the problem is that the US does not have the money to do it today and the EU is stilling printing euros until December 2017.
You can write to your grandmother if you like but unless the cash is there miracles are not happening simple as that. China is cashed up and the west is not.
(sj, 29 August 2017 15:47)
sj,
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54)
you americans dont get it its over for you ,china,russia and the brics are here and 5 more nations are joining the brics /....you're done you got croatia and albania be happy hehehhe that they are stupid and don't see the real world because the rest of the world is on russia and china's side...
(america and EU are finished, 29 August 2017 17:40)
Before you attempt to BS us, you should check China's debt ratio. It is much higher than that of the US. The US dollar is still the most stable currency as evidenced by the rush to by the US Dollar by foreign countries in times of world crisis.
(The Count of Kosova, 29 August 2017 17:54) #
The dollar has lost 7 to 10 per cent value in last 2 months (July , August). Check your BS to us 😀)))))
(sasa.p from near Jagodina, Serbia, 29 August 2017 22:51)
Many years ago, the "transatlantic" allies attempted to curb Chinese influence in the Balkans by bombing the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
That, alas, didn't seem to work.
Hence, Mr. Cameron's today's episode of anti-Chinese hair-pulling, chest-thumping, threat-making, finger-pointing and trash-talking which undoubtedly will have as much impact on the Chinese in Serbia as the embassy-bombing.
Get over it, Mr. Munter. The sun rises in the East and it sets in the West. If you can't beat the Chinese, join them: Serbia would welcome your investments which US Government have been offering - falsely - since 1999 or so.
(DEDA CVETKO, 30 August 2017 08:58)
China is investing in Serbia because Serbia wants to join EU. Through Serbia China wants to enter EU. You think China would have invested in Serbia if Serbia didn't want to join EU? By the way if Serbia joins EU it has to be very soon (5-10 years), otherwise talks can't go on for 50-100 years. If Serbia lets say decides to not want to join EU, relief from EU will end, Serbia has to pay tariffs just like all non EU countries. Plus visas for Serbs entering EU will appear again.
(Avni, 29 August 2017 22:47) you keep thinking that ,the EU is finished...america and nato are finished,russia,china is the way to go....serbia won't join that criminal enterprise you call EU...they are falling and will be done in 2018....russia ,china and the brics and the east is the way to go.....america and their little old allies are done...get into the real world not albanian fantasy....
(nwo is arriving, 30 August 2017 22:23)
I know China’s debt ratio mate because I work in the industry and my advice to someone who thinks selling Apple Corp means the proceeds go to the US Government, I would not believe everything printed or said in the western media mate.
The Chinses population is spending big on investment in personal assets such as real estate throughout the world and that is the reason for the debt mate.
China has currently 4.5 trillion in foreign reserves plus nearly as much in gold reserves. How does the US compare to that one mate?
Then there is China spending big on its Road and Belt program meanwhile what does the US spend its borrowed money on? Yes borrowed money, Ahhh yes wars it loses LOL.
The US has a debt to GDP ratio of 600% comprising of $23 plus trillion of state and federal debt which is 120% of GDP and the rating agencies have not touched its ratings meanwhile they have threatened Australia despite that country only having debt to GDP of 25%. How does that happen?
The reason why the US dollar is sought after is because it’s the only world currency available since Beijing will not allow the Yuan to become the world currency. How much of the current devastation in Texas will be repaired?
However, this information does not apply to Albanians who think that money is something growing on trees.
(sj, 30 August 2017 10:33)