Liu Zuokui, a researcher at the Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that the forum will neither collapse nor fail, as these two nations do not represent the majority of their neighbors, their participation is limited and it is difficult for other members to follow suit.

In his opinion, the initiative responds more to the infrastructure needs of Central and Eastern European States, but also favors exchanges with five territories that are not partners of the European Union (EU).

Cui Hongjian, another expert on the subject, indicated that Estonia and Latvia withdrew from the regional mechanism with China only seeking political protection from the United States, without taking into account the rules of the market, the loss of opportunities for cooperation and Asia’s projections as the future leader of the global economy.

He warned that it will be difficult for them to obtain tangible benefits because Washington is only interested in its geopolitical purposes.

On Thursday Estonia and Latvia announced their exit from the forum between China and Central and Eastern European nations, created in 2012 and through which trade grew annually by an average of 8 percent.

Both States claimed that they will maintain constructive and pragmatic relations with China bilaterally, through the channels of cooperation between China and the EU, and based on mutual respect, international law and human rights.

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