Abstract ▼

The relations between China and Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) have experienced different phases in the last 25 years. China’s new strategy toward CEE emerged in the last three years. It can be called the regional approach. The so-called regional approach to deal with Central and Eastern European countries can be regarded as a breakthrough in China’s policy towards Central and Eastern European countries. 16+1 cooperation framework has taken shape in the last three years. As China rediscovered different CEEC, CEEC rediscovered different China, common interests have drawn China and CEEC closer. The 16+1 cooperation framework is quite special, neither group nor international organization can encapsulate its characteristics. Equal partnership, loose institutionalization, comprehensive cooperation, multi-functional arrangement and well-planned framework are main characteristics. The 16+1 cooperation framework is a real novelty in international relations. The emergence of 16+1 framework arises from both common political will to cooperation and mutual demand for closer economic links. The 16+1 framework has to face several challenges.

Abstract ▼

The author analyses how the unique market potential and geographic advantages of the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), the built and to be built projects, and diversified cooperation mechanisms between China and CEE laid the realistic foundation for the building of the Silk Road Economic Belt. China may have the following three choices to build the Silk Road Economic Belt: Model of “Development in Stages”, Model of “Corridor Development” and Model of “Equal Development Between the East and the West”. The three choices will have heavy influences on the functions and ways that the CEECs could play their roles. China faces with a series of challenges both domestic and international. In conclusion, the author suggests that the principle of tackling easy issues first and seeking gradual improvement should be pursued. While stepping up its strategic layout for a transportation corridor, Chinese Government should fully respect the law of the market, stress the leading role of enterprises and allow key projects to be the driving force, etc.

Abstract ▼

The paper analyses how the Chinese project of establishing the Economic Belt of the New Silk Road challenges newly formed Eurasian Economic Union, with Russia as the leading force, as well as the North-American and Pacific trade network, dominated by the U.S. The author discusses how the overlapping responsibilities and influence of these regional economic groups may affect their complementarities and competitiveness on the world market, and how they may impact the future course of international relations. The Economic Belt is aimed at creating and strengthening economic, transport, human and cultural relations between China and Central Asian countries, but without Russia. The New Silk Road would stretch from the Pacific to the Baltic Sea, encompassing land and sea trading routes, and follows the route of the ancient Silk Road. When the New Silk Road project, linking three continents, is completed, it will bring new chance for development for China as well as for all other countries on the New Silk Road, including those in the Southeastern Europe. The author concludes that the Economic Belt of the New Silk Road might relax conflicts and quarrels between Western and Far East countries in regard to their aspirations to dominate in Euroasia.

Abstract ▼

The paper examines to what extent the Chinese and Serbian approaches in doing business differ, with focus on structural features of the management system and ownership. The paper is aimed at overcoming possible difficulties that stem from the differences in the business practices with a view to the statement of the Serbian Government that the People’s Republic of China will play important role in the transformation of our economy as well as the conclusions of the 2014 Belgrade summit of prime ministers of China and Central and Eastern Europe countries. Since Serbian and Chinese business people have been doing business for many years, some difficulties in mutual cooperation are being already experienced. The author focuses her analysis on the phase dynamics of the management process and takes into consideration the business practice that is upon direct influence of culture. Hofstede’s model of cultural differences is employed. The author concludes that although the management practice in China and Serbia has lots of similarities, there are structural differences in business practices as an outcome of national cultural diversity.

Abstract ▼

The paper investigates whether the strategic alliance of China and Russia could create a sufficient counterbalance to US domination in the Post-Cold War era and to assist positioning of Beijing as a global power on the rise. The rapprochement between Russia and China grew gradually from the stage of political declarations and coordination during the first decade of the twenty-first century into a strategic partnership based on the Treaty on Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation of 2001. The author analyses the plausible implications of the Treaty as a framework for the established partnership, and confirms its value by increased value of trade and the conclusion of the so-called gas agreements, which should allow the export of Russian gas to the Chinese market. The author concludes that the success of the China-Russia partnership will be equally determined by the US policy in Asia and the Pacific as well as the ability of both countries to resolve potential disagreements that could stem from diverse national interests in Central Asia.