A report published by the Democratic minority on the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations raises concerns about the growing economic influence of China in the Western Balkans, including Albania, at a time when strategic coordination between the United States and its regional allies is said to have weakened.
The document criticizes the approach of Donald Trump and his administration toward traditional alliances and international institutions, arguing that unclear messaging toward Beijing and reduced political accountability in the Western Balkans have created space for increased Chinese — and also Russia — influence in the region.
According to the report, China has significantly expanded its economic presence in countries such as Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro.
The report highlights that Albania has long been considered one of the most pro-American countries in the world, but recent trade dynamics show a noticeable shift. While trade with the United States has declined, trade exchanges with China have increased substantially.
“Data from early 2025 show that Albania’s trade with China grew by 23.5 percent compared with the same period in 2024. Likewise, during the first nine months of 2025, Albanian imports from China also increased by 23.5 percent, highlighting a shift in bilateral trade flows,” the report states.
According to the document, these developments suggest that China’s economic influence in the region is gradually expanding, while the economic and political space once dominated by the transatlantic partnership is becoming increasingly competitive.
The report’s authors warn that if this trend continues, the credibility of the United States as a strategic partner in the region could weaken at a time when unity among Western allies is considered crucial for Euro-Atlantic security.
