Normalization Phase

This chapter analyzes the normalization of relations between Albania and China after 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries returned to a more pragmatic footing after Albania’s political system changed. The basis for a re-intensification of exchanges was the opening of China and Albania to the foreign market. As a result of this mutual orientation, a number of high-level visits took place. Most Albanian presidents and prime ministers have visited China. However, no Chinese president or prime minister has visited Albania since the end of the Cold War. The chapter highlights that the current relations between Albania and China are no longer driven by ideological proximity, but by economic and commercial interest. The fact that Albania, after 1991, was oriented toward integration into NATO and the European Union was not an obstacle to the deepening of cooperation between Albania and China. Albania's natural resources, especially mineral resources, are important to China. Albania is committed to the “17 + 1” and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiatives. The chapter concludes that relations between Albania and China represent a transition from ideological and revolutionary solidarity to interest-based diplomacy, characteristic of the post-Cold War international order. A political issue dividing the two countries is Kosovo: while Albania has recognized Kosovo's independence and is lobbying for its integration into international organizations, China continues to support Serbia's opposition to Kosovo's independence.