Global Economic Observer (Jun 2019)
“16+1 Cooperation”：Considering Three Sets of Relationships
Abstract
The paper analyzes three sets of relationships related to the “16+1 Cooperation”. First, the relationship between the “16+1 Cooperation” and the Belt and Road Initiative (hereinafter referred to as the B&R Initiative). On the one hand, both were developed against the same background. The former is an important part of the latter, while the latter provides the former with more opportunities. On the other hand, the “16+1 Cooperation” is a unique part of the B&R Initiative. So it is worth considering how to coordinate the relationship between the “16+1 Cooperation” and the B&R Initiative, push the “16+1 Cooperation” forward and give full play to the role of the “16+1 Cooperation” in the B&R Initiative. Second, the relationship between the “16+1 Cooperation” and the China-EU relations. The “16+1 Cooperation” is an integral part and useful supplement of the China-EU relations. China and the CEE countries repeatedly stress the significance of the “16+1 Cooperation” in the China-EU relations and work hard to coordinate the relationship between them. But the EU often worries that the “16+1 Cooperation” will divide the EU. Therefore, it is worth considering how to remove the EU’s worries and coordinate the relationship between the “16+1 Cooperation” and the China-EU relations effectively. Third, the relationship between bilateral cooperation and multilateral cooperation. The “16+1 Cooperation” includes both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, but so far, cooperation has mostly taken place at bilateral level. As a result, it is worth considering how to take advantage of the various institutionalized exchange platforms established by China and the CEE countries to expand the multilateral cooperation.
