China-Albania ties going strong at 75

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Albania. Over the past three-quarters of a century, the relationship between the two countries has developed meaningfully, with their interests intertwined in numerous, significant and sometimes captivating ways.

This bond has been formed through a long history of interactions, creating a wealth of shared experiences and exchanges that have bolstered their connection over time. If there is a country in Europe that has witnessed China's accomplishments in foreign lands from the front row, that country is Albania. This firsthand experience has provided Albanians with a unique perspective on China's international outreach and its capabilities.

Shared history and intensive cooperation

In 1966, when then Albanian prime minister visited Beijing, close to 1 million people — the equivalent of half of Albania's population at the time — gathered on both sides of Chang'an Avenue to greet him. This demonstration of warmth and respect toward Albania showcased the importance of cultural nuances and symbolism in Chinese diplomacy.

Since then, China-Albania relations have been accompanied by subtle yet powerful symbolism. The sophisticated and effective manner of these displays through the decades has been the blueprint of China's outreach to Albania. Such modus operandi has been a hallmark of China-Albania relations, in which those subtle yet powerful gestures have played a significant role in building and maintaining bilateral relations.

The close relations between China and Albania were in full display during the turbulent years of the 1960s; their relationship was vested with the attribute of aligned ideology. The national context of both China and Albania at the time magnified the significance of this relationship.

Back then, the centuries-old philosophy-based "elder brother" role reflected a position of guidance and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of unity. In those years, China shouldered the responsibility of provider and negotiator, offering immense economic assistance, infrastructure development tools, industry inputs, know-how, political support and much more to Albania.

Albania's deference to China for its policy alignment and support was evident in international forums, especially the United Nations, where Albania stood by China's side and offered strong support to it, especially for its efforts to regain its rightful and legitimate seat at the UN in 1971.

Evolving relations, a changing world

Although the stumbling blocks of the challenging and ever-changing geopolitical landscape have not always made for a smooth sailing, the Albanian people have always felt a sense of wonderment about China — a unique, foreign, distant but, at the same time, familiar place.

While in the past the strategic alliance was defined by ideology, in the 21st century, balancing the traditional relationship role with the reality of the situation and international relations has become the norm. As power dynamics become more complex, adjustment and readjustment of relations are often accompanied by fluctuating levels of cooperation. Nevertheless, this does not significantly impact the overall state of affairs between Albania and China.

While both countries went through different stages of development, the relationship adjusted accordingly. Albania's and China's paths to modernization have the same aspirations but different approaches and practices. After the "winds of change" of the early 1990s, the legacy of the past was, to some extent, set aside as both countries focused on addressing more pressing national needs and issues.

Their relationship evolved in response to the various internal transformations. However, the turn of the century created new opportunities for reinvigorating connectivity between the two countries. In the early 2000s, Albanian businesses started showing increasing interest in establishing trade relations with China, recognizing the potential for profitable trade. As time progressed, this interest intensified, leading to a deepening and widening of economic ties between the two countries.

In the second decade of this century, Chinese and Albanian businesses witnessed a substantial expansion in the scope and scale of their trade relations, with both benefiting greatly from this growing partnership.

By 2024, China had consolidated its position as Albania's second-largest trading partner, reflecting the success of the ongoing efforts.

Expanding cooperation and deepening relations

Economic globalization has brought China and Albania closer, and an interdependent global economy has fostered pragmatic cooperation between them. And new bridges of cooperation are constantly being built.

Albanian students, scholars, media personnel, NGOs and artists, among others, have traveled to China in the past decade, bringing back home a treasure of memories of New China, one of the infrastructure wonders of the world with high-speed trains, skyscrapers and futuristic technology, all accompanied by the impressive pace of development.

On the institutional cooperation spectrum, the longstanding ties between China and Albania are revitalizing, thanks to the collaboration under the framework of the China-Central and Eastern European Countries cooperation mechanism and the Belt and Road Initiative. These dynamic platforms have helped intensify interactions between the two countries.

In October 2021, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tirana. In his meetings with the Albanian president, prime minister and foreign minister, Wang underlined the readiness of the Chinese government to deepen pragmatic and beneficial cooperation in all fields between the two countries. He reiterated that the BRI and the China-Central and Eastern European cooperation mechanism should be seen by the Albanian side as a "dual engine" in opening up new avenues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

These initiatives have been helping countries such as Albania achieve multiple benefits. The transformational impact of China's initiatives has become an issue of interest and discussion in Albania, with many talking about their untapped potential.

In January 2023, China and Albania signed a monumental agreement for the free movement of their respective citizens in each other's country. The document stipulates that Chinese and Albanian citizens will not need a visa for visiting each other's country and staying there for up to three months. This agreement has already boosted tourism and trade, giving new impetus to people-to-people exchanges.

The future and its immense potential

As with every milestone, the visa-free travel arrangement between the two sides also calls for reflection and retrospection on the journey these two nations have taken together. Their relations have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to the changing circumstances and meeting new challenges. Even though China and Albania are thousands of kilometers apart, geographically, their friendship has been passed down from generation to generation. In the Albanian people's collective memory, China is enshrined as a helpful friend, especially in times of need.

Irrespective of what the narrative or zeitgeist of a given period dictates, the strength of China-Albania relations lies in their ability to adapt to the changing times and grow. Between the two peoples, there is an overwhelming sense of appreciation and friendliness that has been made possible thanks to the efforts and goodwill of both sides over the decades. Looking back at the 75 years of diplomatic ties and looking forward to the following decades, it is hoped that the past will inspire a significant, constructive and productive future.

The author is executive director of the Albanian Institute for Globalization Studies. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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