Bucharest Moves to Block OBOR Access to Central Europe

https://www.euractiv.com/section/economy-jobs/news/romania-issues-memorandum-blocking-chinese-firms-from-public-infrastructure-projects/

Romania has been transformed. Once a stalwart member of the Warsaw Pact, during the post-Cold War epoch Bucharest has become a functional satrap of the American Empire – even allowing Washington to base missile systems and troops within its borders.

Romania was used as a logistical launch pad for the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the state continues to be rewarded by warm relations with Washington including a grooming programme which allows the Romanian elite to send their children to the United States to establish connections with the US Establishment. It's one of the oldest tactics of empire.

As expected, Bucharest is falling in line with Washington's directives regarding China, and taking measures to block investment in the country and any attempt by Beijing to be involved in terms of infrastructure. Europe represents the limits of China's Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR) and the issue is used by European politicians and political blocs to both pacify and anger Washington as needed. Romania for its part wants to stay in Washington's good graces and that is the primary basis for such a move. Whether it's the best move for the people of Romania is another matter.