This thesis departs from dominant approaches to outward Chinese FDI, which tend to focus primarily on China's aggressive expansionism and its grand strategy with regards to the Belt and Road...Show moreThis thesis departs from dominant approaches to outward Chinese FDI, which tend to focus primarily on China's aggressive expansionism and its grand strategy with regards to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). After identifying gaps in these prevailing approaches, there appeared to be a need for investigating the agency of host countries. The methodology used here was derived from earlier research conducted on China's long-standing engagements in Africa. The arguments made in this thesis reveal more locally-driven elements of Greece's relations with China and highlight the consequential role of Greek agency in these relations. At various scales and levels, Greek actors have used their respective capacities to facilitate, mediate and even resist Chinese presence and investments in Greece, while also carving out opportunities for their own personal or commercial progress. What is apparent here, is that China is not necessarily imposing on Greece with hegemonic intent, as is generally perceived, but is being ushered in by Greeks themselves as an indispensable benefactor of the Greek economy. An important implication for further research is that host countries of Chinese FDI must not be looked at as passive actors in their relations with China, but rather, as agents acting in self-interest. Moreover, the case of Greece can be considered an indication to the EU to reconsider its policies vis-à-vis post-recession recovery in weaker member states.Show less
