China's New Silk Road will benefit the like of countries such as, Greece, Italy, and Portugal, who have endured severe economic downturns resulting in hyper inflation (Greece) as well as high unemployment over the past several years. Bail outs would cost the European Union trillions as the likely result would be increased taxes for many of its member states.

These countries needed an "economic savior" and it came in the form of Chinese economic gravy train, as Italy, Greece and Portugal become major hubs on the "Belt and Road".

The question one must ask is: what is the cost to the sovereignty of these nations?

If one considers that China's foray into Africa has had mixed results as African countries seek to avoid yet another era of colonial rule. Yet China's presence in smaller African nations has indeed resulted in heavy handed political influence as well.

Within the past few years some African countries recused themselves from controversial international issues regarding China for fear that China with withdraw its economic support, development projects and subsequent rare earth and other exported goods from various African nations.

Economic encroachment from China has opportunity costs. The longer China remains in any given country for economic reasons, the greater chance that it will influence national govenment and politics to promote Chinese interests.