Bosnia and Herzegovina, strategically located in the heart of the Balkans, increasingly recognizes China as an important partner in its efforts to improve its economic and political position on the international stage. Over the past several decades, China has emerged as a global economic actor whose growth shapes not only its internal structure but also global economic flows. With a rapid increase in industrial production, fast urbanization, and continuous innovation, China has positioned itself as a dominant force in the international market. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country at the crossroads of tradition and modernization, building strong economic ties with China offers significant opportunities for long-term development. Chinese investment projects, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and industry, provide a pathway toward the modernization of key sectors in Bosnia. These investments bring not only much-needed capital but also access to new technologies, which are crucial for strengthening Bosnia’s competitiveness in the global market. In addition, China’s “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) creates a framework for connectivity with other nations, providing Bosnia and Herzegovina not only with economic benefits but also with geopolitical stability. However, while China offers attractive economic opportunities, Bosnia and Herzegovina must carefully balance its relations with China, taking into account the central role of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political and economic reforms. The EU remains the most important pillar for BiH, particularly in the process of integration and the implementation of legal and political standards necessary for access to the single market. Given that Bosnia and Herzegovina has not yet achieved significant progress on its path toward EU integration, its relationship with China may serve as a motivating factor for reforms, offering the possibility of diversifying economic ties and reducing dependence on traditional partners. This dual approach—strengthening ties with both China and the EU—provides Bosnia and Herzegovina with a unique opportunity to achieve development that balances economic interests with political stability and European values. At the same time, this approach allows Bosnia and Herzegovina to integrate into the global economy while preserving its European aspirations. As the EU continues to remain a central element of BiH’s long-term political strategy, it is vital that the country ensure that its relationship with China does not undermine its EU integration goals.
China’s Economic Growth: A Global Transformation
Over the past few decades, China has experienced extraordinary economic growth, becoming the world’s second-largest economy. This rise has significantly reshaped global economic flows and positioned China as a dominant actor in markets such as Africa, Asia, and increasingly Europe. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, this growth represents a unique opportunity to enhance trade relations, attract investments, and implement infrastructure projects through Chinese initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China’s economic engagement in Europe includes key investments in infrastructure and industry aimed at strengthening global trade connectivity. In Hungary, Chinese investments in the automotive industry facilitate sector modernization, creating new economic opportunities and enabling technology transfer. These investments contribute to improving Hungary’s competitiveness in the European market while simultaneously opening doors for Chinese products at the global level. In Georgia, Chinese investments in the construction of a port on the Black Sea, in the city of Poti, have long-term strategic significance. The port is becoming a key hub for trade flows between Asia and Europe, facilitating access to markets in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. These infrastructure projects are not only economic opportunities for host countries but also instruments through which China expands its influence and connectivity along key global trade routes. Chinese investments in infrastructure projects, particularly in transport and energy, offer opportunities for modernization and regional economic integration. This, in turn, benefits not only the Bosnian economy but also facilitates connections with other markets, especially those in Central and Eastern Europe.
The future development of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and China will likely depend on the broader geopolitical dynamics between the European Union, the United States, and China
Diplomatic and Economic Efforts
Bosnia and Herzegovina and China do not have any open issues in their bilateral relations. It is true that the European Commission has requested that Bosnia and Herzegovina introduce visas for Chinese citizens, which will represent a significant challenge for the joint executive institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries maintain stable and constructive partnerships, particularly in the economic and infrastructure sectors, through initiatives such as the “Belt and Road” project. While Bosnia carefully balances its relations between China and the European Union, no significant political or economic disputes have emerged so far that could jeopardize their cooperation. This relationship is based on mutual interests, and no major conflicts have arisen that could undermine the ties between the two countries. Despite the growing economic ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and China, diplomatic and political relations with the European Union (EU) remain essential for the country’s future development. Bosnia faces the challenge of aligning its relations between China and the EU, with the EU being its long-standing economic and political partner. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s visa policy toward China will be the first major challenge. While the EU provides significant support in Bosnia’s accession process, helping initiate political and economic reforms, BiH is also striving to diversify its economic ties, including those with China. In this context, BiH seeks to pursue a balanced foreign policy that maximizes the benefits of its relations with both China and the EU. Chinese investments often come with political and economic conditions that may not always align with EU principles, which presents a dilemma for domestic policymakers. Nevertheless, BiH recognizes the importance of preserving its EU aspirations, which include implementing the necessary reforms to achieve competitiveness on the global stage.
Strengthening Relations with the EU
While Chinese investments often offer more flexible conditions for economic projects, BiH must remain focused on building a stable institutional framework that supports long-term cooperation with the EU. The EU has already recognized the potential of the Balkans, and BiH must continue implementing the necessary political and economic reforms to strengthen its position in the European integration process. Despite the attractiveness of Chinese investments, the EU remains the primary support for BiH’s reforms, aimed at stabilizing political systems, combating corruption, and strengthening economic structures. Although challenges exist in implementing European standards, BiH demonstrates its commitment to European values while not neglecting China’s economic potential. Chinese investments can ensure the necessary modernization of infrastructure, but for the country to achieve long-term economic and political progress, it must align its strategies with the interests of the EU.
From the perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, relations with China offer a wide range of economic opportunities, but diplomatic efforts toward the EU remain crucial for political and economic stability. BiH must find a balance between the benefits of Chinese investments and the political process of EU accession. In this process, maintaining strong ties with the European Union, alongside the strategic use of Chinese investments, is essential for achieving long-term economic prosperity and political stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The future development of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and China will likely depend on the broader geopolitical dynamics between the European Union, the United States, and China. In such an international environment, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to turn its position in the Balkans into an advantage by acting as a bridge between the European market and the new global economic flows coming from Asia.
Saša Čekrlija, full professor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, guest professor in PR China, holding a PhD in human sustainable development. He served as an advisor to H.E. Igor Crnadak, Minister of Foreign Affairs (mandate 2015–2019).
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