The geopolitical movements of the past year have highlighted that we are at a world crossroads, a moment that serves both as a call for reflection and as an alarm bell for action. This new reality is not simply a transitional phase, but an indicator of structural changes that are reshaping the international order.

The world is going through a period of profound transformation before our eyes, and this is precisely what makes the current moment an extraordinary opportunity to reassess our strategic priorities, to redirect the path we follow, and to build lasting ties that will help us face the challenges of the future.

In this context, one partnership that requires increased attention and a new focus is the relationship with China, especially within the broader framework of China–Central and Eastern Europe cooperation, as well as within the framework of the “One Belt, One Road” initiative. In both of these platforms, Albania has been an active participant since their inception, demonstrating its readiness for engagement and constructive dialogue.

Today, more than ever, Europe and the Balkans need an intensification of this cooperation, in the interest of stability, economic development, and the building of new bridges of understanding in an increasingly complex international environment.

China–Albania: From Nostalgia to Pragmatism

The relationship between Albania and China has undergone a profound transformation over the past seven decades. From ideological allies during the Cold War, the two countries have evolved into cooperative partners of the modern era, adapting their relations to changing global realities. Albania’s strategic position on historic trade routes, including the Silk Road, has played a key role. From its participation in ancient trade networks to its engagement in China’s cooperative mechanisms with Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CEE), Albania has demonstrated a steady evolution, becoming an active partner in the region.

It is often heard in the media that cooperation with China can be harmful or inappropriate. But it is important to note that those who spread this myth have themselves built close relations with China.

The narrative of the “threat of Chinese influence” in the Western Balkans has become a recurring theme in both political discourse and European Union diplomacy, often presented as an obstacle to the region’s European integration. However, this concern stands in stark contrast to the close political and economic ties that many EU states have developed with China over the years. This double standard limits development opportunities for Balkan countries, discouraging cooperation that could support their progress.

In reality, China has been present in the region for decades and has consistently expressed support for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU. Its investments in infrastructure and energy have contributed positively to regional economic growth, improved connectivity, and created more favorable conditions for business development. Moreover, China’s principle of non-interference in internal affairs, in contrast to the often more interventionist approaches of other global actors, makes its model of cooperation more attractive to developing countries.

Rather than seeing Chinese and European investments as alternatives or mutually exclusive, they should be treated as complementary forces that can jointly support the economic development of the region and its alignment with European Union standards.

Cooperation with China should not be seen as a substitute for our partnership with the European Union and the United States of America, which remain our natural geopolitical orientation. But at a time when we are experiencing a new and important phase of transformation in international relations, it is time for Albania to review the opportunities offered by cooperation with China, an undisputed global economic power.

Such cooperation can help us not only meet the standards for European integration, but also strengthen the national economy, by promoting investment, job creation, and inclusive development in all socio-economic areas, in a partnership without prejudice.

I believe that, starting in 2026, Albania can see significant opportunities to strengthen and develop relations with China to a new level, focusing particularly on investments and infrastructure that reinforce the economy, especially the tourism sector. The mutual abolition of visas in 2023 has opened new prospects for increasing the flow of tourists from China, a key sector for the Albanian economy. Meanwhile, if a direct Tirana–Beijing or Tirana–Shanghai airline were seriously considered, this would facilitate not only the arrival of tourists, but also business connections between the two countries.

Albania in the New Era of China–CEE Cooperation

The second decade of China–Central and Eastern Europe cooperation marks the dawn of a new geopolitical era, which is rapidly reshaping the global landscape. Albania is showing its readiness to be an active part of this transformation, not only as a beneficiary, but also as a contributor in building new formats of cooperation.

This is evident from the recent signals that Albania has sent to Beijing, showing a more open and proactive approach to bilateral cooperation. A concrete example was the “Albania, a New Frontier” conference, held in Vienna in the fall of 2025, where Prime Minister Edi Rama clearly emphasized that Albania is ready for deeper cooperation with China and engagement in the opportunities that this evolving cooperation framework offers.

This moment is a clear indication that Albania is viewing the global situation as a chance to explore new opportunities and ensure that cooperation with China yields tangible results. I believe that the time has come for Albania to play a full and key role in the Balkans. Although small, Albania has extraordinary geopolitical importance, also due to its strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. Despite its size, Albania has proven that it can be a stabilizing force in the Balkans.

We are not just a dot on the map. Albania is the gateway to the Western Balkans, a region that has long been an arena for geopolitical rivalries, but which also offers extraordinary opportunities for growth and development. And yes, Albania is in an excellent position to be a catalyst for these opportunities and to contribute to strengthening regional and international ties. /ADN

*The author is a journalist and analyst on international affairs, as well as the founder of the geopolitical magazine Argumentum.al.