some China news for those interested, about Chinese cooperation/expansion into Eastern Europe.

https://wcfcourier.com/news/world/china-wants-to-deepen-economic-ties-in-european-nations/article_a0deb131-501d-5473-bcfe-618b03daa695.html

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — China wants to boost its cooperation with central and eastern Europe, a Chinese government minister on Tuesday told officials from the region where China already finances projects as part of its bid for more global influence.

Transport Minister Li Xiaopeng told officials from 16 European countries at a meeting in Serbia that improving economic and other relations is based on "complementary advantage" for both China and region.

http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/geography/mackinders-heartland-theory-explained/42542

Mackinder gave this theory in 1904. This theory regards political history as a continuous struggle between land and sea powers with the ultimate victory going to the continental power.

This assertion was also supported by Kjellen. According to this theory, the continental power was represented by the world island which consisted of Eurasia and Africa (comprising seven- eighth of total world population and two-third of the total land area of the world). Mackinder called it the Heartland (total area being 11 million square kilometres). This Heartland was perceived as the greatest natural fortress on earth surrounded on all sides by geographical barriers.

Is this China's goal? Very interesting if old book to read that guided British foreign policy for decades.

>>3501593

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-mackinders-heartland-theory-4068393

ir Halford John Mackinder was a British geographer who wrote a paper in 1904 called "The Geographical Pivot of History." Mackinder's paper suggested that the control of Eastern Europe was vital to control of the world. Mackinder postulated the following, which became known as the Heartland Theory:

Who rules Eastern Europe commands the Heartland

Who rules the Heartland commands the World Island

Who rules the World Island commands the world

read this in light of China looking to expand in Eastern Europe

https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-wants-further-boost-ties-121442987.html