| German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to China is an example of a “do-it-alone” foreign policy approach which can only benefit the Middle Kingdom. There is an apparent division between Europe and the United States over how best to tackle China, a vast country called the Middle or Central Kingdom in different historical times, implying its presumed superior role as the centre of civilisation or even the world. However, the EU itself has no common approach and in the meantime, China tackles the EU via its weakest — or most naive – members. In recent years, this has taken place via the 16+1 format, comprising China and 16 Eastern European countries eager to be its European vassals. When Greece joined, 16+1 became 17+1, but then the format started unravelling when Lithuania left, Estonia and Latvia followed, and Czechia said it was no longer an active member. Then came COVID-19 and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. No more summits were held, and the initiative probably came to an end. Belt and Road (BRI) is another Chinese initiative. The Greek port of Piraeus is among China’s biggest acquisitions in Europe under the programme, although critics say Bejing has failed to meet its contractual obligation and invest $300 million in port facilities. | 
