This paper begins by presenting the recent increase in cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans region in Europe and the People’s Republic of China. Based for the most part on the increasing economic activity and implementation of infrastructure projects, this increased cooperation, which has led to the People’s Republic of China becoming one of the most important development partners of countries in the Western Balkans, is gaining ground in parallel to the European Union integration process in all these countries. This paper elaborates further on the reasons for this rise in cooperation and looks at the opportunities and benefi ts as well as potential ramifi cations to be considered in the context of the political and economic position of the Western Balkan countries and their strategic orientation towards joining the European Union. In addressing these questions, the author consults the growing policy literature concerning the People’s Republic of China’s relation with the Western Balkan countries.