Kosovo, the only country in the Balkans without any Chinese investment

It started in 2009. The financial crisis that hit the world a year ago was affecting the Balkans, and the region was also struggling with the latest strength to cope.

China has entered.

Greece opened its door through the port of Piraeus, while Serbia declared China its fourth foreign policy target. Balkan countries needed money, and China needed a friendly corridor from the Mediterranean to Europe. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. But there was a prize, Klankosova reports.tv.

More than a decade later, according to BIRN's estimate, the region has reached 135 projects worth at least 32 billion euros, which are in one way or another connected to China.

China is taking over metallurgy, mining, energy and transport, and most of these projects are accompanied by allegations of corruption, exploitation and environmental damage.

Kosovo, declared the most pro-American state in the world, despite being among the poorest countries in Europe, has resisted Chinese influence, refusing to accept any investment. And that makes the state alone in the Western Balkans without any investment from China.

Between 2012 and 2021, China's companies have invested or divided more than 2 billion euros into only 16 projects in Serbia, and the Chinese Export-Import Bank has extended loans for projects worth at least 5.7 billion euros. At the same time, China has donated aid worth millions of euros in the form of medical equipment and other equipment.

Meanwhile, experts warn of a disturbing level of influence on Serbia's legislature, with laws being amended in line with Chinese investors' demands.

Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and DP President Lulzim Basha during the congress Palace, in honour of Democracy Hero, Azem Hajdari, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of death and the re-dependence of the bones in the Nation's Dymories.