Let a thousand contacts bloom: How China competes for influence in Bulgaria

Summary:

• China is a geopolitical latecomer to Bulgaria, having traditionally shown more interest in other countries in south-eastern Europe.
• Beijing has long struggled to gain influence in Bulgaria due to the country’s EU membership and entrenched interests in sectors such as infrastructure and energy.
• China has responded to this challenge by adopting a multi-track strategy of engagement with state and non-state actors at the national and subnational levels.
• Beijing has significantly expanded its subnational cooperation with Bulgaria in areas such as culture, education, agriculture, research, public procurement, and e-governance.
• China has focused on strengthening its frameworks of cooperation and building relationships with local elites to circumvent national policies.
• China’s growing presence in Bulgaria has concerning implications in areas such as technology transfers, agriculture, research, ‘smart city’ and governance projects, control of critical infrastructure, and public procurement.