Aproaches of USA and PRC to the Implementation of Foreign Policy Strategies in Southeast Europe

The Balkans have always been considered as one of the most volatile region in the world. The region has always attracted the attention of world powers (because of its specific geographical location) interested in realizing their geopolitical ambitions. The United States, Western Europe, Russia, and Turkey were the main actors in the region for many years. Today rising China is entering the arena. Involvement of countries of the region in the implementation of Chinese «Belt and Road Initiative» is increasing. As the United States and China are interested in strengthening their positions on the European continent, it can play a significant role in rising tension between them. The paper shows how the contradictions between the United States and China are reflected in the region of secondary importance and how they affect political processes within the region and American-Chinese relations. Despite the fact that the United States has already managed to establish and strengthen its political and military presence and influence in the region, China, which interests in the region lie basically in the economic sphere, may indeed become a real competitor for the United States in the struggle for influence in the region.