Greece’s recent decision to join China’s 16+1 initiative signals that cooperation between China and the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) is strengthening. While both the BRI and 17+1 should remain vulnerable to criticism, the summits are building diplomatic bridges between European nations, while simultaneously expanding China’s influence.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for advancing cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), also known as