Poland on the Route of the Chinese Silk Road: A Chance for Development or Just a Challenge?

Abstract

The two Chinese Silk Roads going to Europe, announced in autumn 2013, surprised not only European and global political elites, but academic circles as well. This unprecedented project or vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping draws attention with its spectacular scale and range. It is the proof of China’s rebirth as a power and of its global ambitions. The aim of this study is to show how the project is referred to by the elite of the European Union countries, the region of Central and Eastern Europe, involved in the other Chinese strategy, 16+1, and by Poland, which found itself directly on the land route. What did Poland do with this opportunity? The analysis shows that relatively little – despite the noticeable Chinese presence and interests located here. Therefore, the Silk Roads remain a rather untapped potential opportunity for Warsaw than a real new development opportunity. To change this, a political will is required which seems to be lacking on the Polish side.