How China Is Building Influence Along Europe’s Southeastern Edge

While global attention is fixed on the war in Ukraine, China is quietly expanding its influence across a strategic corridor in Southeastern Europe. A new "Silk Curtain" is emerging through countries like Hungary, Serbia, and Greece, establishing a continuous belt of Chinese presence on Europe's periphery. Beijing is achieving this through major economic investments, such as controlling the Greek port of Piraeus, and by building closer military and political ties with regional governments. China's ultimate objective is to secure a stable of friendly states in a geostrategic location that connects it to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.