Cooperation Between China and Eastern Mediterranean Countries in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative: Opportunities and Challenges*

Abstract

Abstract

This article explores the current status of China’s promotion of the “Belt and Road Initiative” in the Eastern Mediterranean region and selects some major countries to focus on the strengths and opportunities, as well as the external challenges and threats of China’s efforts to promote the initiative in this region through Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis. At present, China faces challenges and risks in the process of steadily advancing its cooperation with countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The “Great Game”, regional turmoil, the COVID-19 epidemic and many other uncertain factors have impacted the stability of the regional situation and social and economic development. How China faces and resolves these crises is crucial to promoting the “Belt and Road” construction in the future.

Keywords : Belt and Road Initiative, China, Cooperation, Eastern Mediterranean.