Greece, Israel, and China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative

China’s "Belt and Road" initiative signals the continuation and expansion of a pre-existing incremental policy that aims to strengthen China's economic and geopolitical roles, though Beijing’s long-term approach remains unclear. The initiative does not immediately bring Greece and Israel closer. But it gives the two countries an opportunity to discuss China’s new role in the Mediterranean and to maximize bilateral relationships with Beijing without challenging their pro-West orientation.

Why Is Israel’s Image Improving in Greece?

Israel’s image in the Greek media has been negative for decades. However, the rapprochement between Athens and Jerusalem and improvement in their political and economic relations since 2010 have affected Greek journalists. While sympathy for the Palestinians has not completely faded, Israel is no longer represented exclusively as a villain. It is now often portrayed as a useful partner. While anti-Semitism remains a problem in Greece, this new media attitude could lead to its decline over the long term.

What’s On a Muslim Refugee’s Mind?

Almost all the “poor” illegal migrants on the Greek islands want to go to Germany, where they have heard from friends and relatives that they will be the best paid for being refugees. The cliché “the-poor-souls-are-fleeing-war-in-their-native-country” is becoming less and less convincing by the day. True, most Syrians fled to Turkey after the start of civil war in their country. But is flight from war their motivation as they proceed onwards to Greece, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria?

How Can Greece Pay Back China?

China and Greece have an almost entirely one-sided economic relationship. China’s deep involvement in Greece is part of a long-term strategy to achieve control of the marine paths from China to the EU. This strategy means China is willing to invest and take part in the rehabilitation of Greece – but there will be a price to be paid for this.

Turkey, the Refugee Crisis and Brexit: Concerns and Opportunities for Greece

The unending refugee crisis, the failed Turkish coup and subsequent purge, and Brexit are all causing great apprehension in Athens. But these challenges might present new opportunities. Turkish tensions with the West highlight Greece’s status as the most responsible element in the eastern Mediterranean, which could bolster Greece’s relations with both the EU and the US.

The New Greek Government: Israel has Reason for Concern

The main challenge facing the government of Alexis Tsipras is finding an economic compromise with the EU in a manner which will satisfy the Greek public. If Tsipras succeeds, he’ll be free to consider other foreign policy issues. Then, Israel may have room for concern.