Using a rigorous methodology we developed a dataset which maps out China's development assistance provided to the five countries in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia). The database collects information regarding contracts signed during the period 2000-2020. 

The dataset builds on existing datasets which collect information about China's capital flows, investments and development cooperation throughout the world (CSIS, Aid Data, AEI etc.) Each entry considered as relevant in these datasets was then checked and verified against media articles, research papers, requests for information and field interviews in each of the Western Balkan countries.

The dataset is intended to serve as a tool for civil society analysts, academia, journalists and other stakeholders interested in China's presence in the Western Balkans. To that effect, it presents the data in an easily understandable manner, structured per type of instrument and per country. It also presents data regarding the contracts which serve as legal basis for China's development aid and basic information regarding the implemented projects.

It is available for download HERE. 

Data collection was supported by the Open Society Foundation.