Pompeo scared the Macedonians with the Chinese and Russians
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo frightened officials in Macedonia, which he recently visited, with a “Chinese invasion” as well as “Russian bots and trolls on social networks.”
OCCRP writes about this, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“As on my other trips to Europe, I also warned about the risks of Chinese investments in sensitive technologies and the Chinese strategy of bribery to secure infrastructure deals. We want North Macedonia to succeed, not to fight corruption or debt,” Pompeo commented on the results of the visit
He believes that Macedonia must “take decisive measures to resist and protect against harmful influences.”
“The hearts and minds of the citizens of North Macedonia should lead your country forward, not Russian bots and trolls on social media,” Pompeo said.
According to Forbes, China's interest in the Balkans is explained by the low cost of labor in the region, as well as the desire to “invade Europe.” Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia could one day become EU member states, so proactive investment could strengthen Chinese leverage in the region, the article says.
As part of the One Belt, One Road program, Beijing announced investments of over $12 billion in infrastructure projects in the Balkans.
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