China and Southern Europe: Relations and Prospects: A Stakeholder’s Perspective

The chapter examines the relationship and prospects for cooperation between China and countries of southern Europe in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The countries under consideration include: Cyprus, Italy, and Spain. The particular interest lies in how cooperation prospects are viewed by crucial stakeholders in a number of South European countries. This is done via the method of expert surveys. The chapter identifies commonalities and divergences in the patterns of constraints and opportunities for the countries in the region of South Europe to enter a mutually beneficial relationship with China, as well as areas of potential future cooperation.