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Belt and Road

Austria warns about China's rising influence in Europe

Beijing is a geopolitical, not merely economic, player, says foreign minister

Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl speaks in Tokyo. (Photo by Shinya Oshino)

TOKYO -- Austria's top diplomat expressed deep misgivings over China's economic inroads in Europe that have now brought Italy, a Group of Seven power, into the Belt and Road club.

"China is getting influence in Southeast Europe. I am watching with great concern," Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl told Nikkei during a visit to Tokyo. She said the rest of the European Union must recognize the risks and deal with Beijing's expansionist wallet diplomacy.

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