China planning eastern Europe transport hub

Chinese leaders visited Belgrade in Serbia on the 16-17 December 2014 to advance projects such as a plan to turn Greece's port of Piraeus into a hub for China's trade with Europe. The talks involved 16 heads of central and eastern European nations. Construction of a high-speed rail line between Belgrade and Budapest was also announced.

• Primary Source

Kathimerini, 17.12.14; Piraeus ambitions one step closer as China signs Balkan bullet train deal http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite2_1_17/12/2014_545531

Balkan Insight, 16.12.14: China-Balkan Summit Kicks off in Belgrade http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/belgrade-gears-up-for-china-summit

EurActiv, 17.12.14: Balkan railway part of Chinese 'express lane' to Europe http://www.euractiv.com/sections/transport/balkan-railway-part-chinese-express-lane-europe-310940

ESO: Background information: China seeking to cash in on Europe’s crises http://www.europeansources.info/record/china-seeking-to-cash-in-on-europes-crises/

Euronews, 18.12.14: New Chinese-built bridge unveiled in Belgrade http://www.euronews.com/2014/12/18/new-chinese-built-bridge-unveiled-in-belgrade/

Balkan Insight, 18.12.14: Serbia Expels Arrested Falun Gong Members http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/serbia-expels-arrested-falun-gong-members

Politico, 01.05.15: China’s new silk road might save Greece http://www.politico.eu/article/chinas-new-silk-road-might-save-greece/

Spiegel Online International, 09.04.15: One Port, Two Worlds: China Seeks Dominance in Athens Harbor http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/china-seeks-gateway-to-europe-with-greek-port-a-1027458.html

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