OBOR row: Now, German Chancellor Merkel raises doubts on China's investments in Europe

German Chancellor Angela Merkel today questioned China's intention in the Balkans over its move to further "free trade" agreements.

China has invested heavily in crisis-hit Greece with an aim to purchase the Piraeus port, also in Macedonia, the communist state has been helping to develop highways.

The German Chancellor said: "I have no objections to the fact that China wants to trade ... and to invest,"adding, "We are committed to free trade."

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However, she stressed that "The question is ... are the economic relations being linked with political questions it must be "reciprocal" and that openness must come "not just from one side but from all sides".

China has already made its intention clear over its One Belt, One Road(OBOR) initiative which strives to link Asia with Europe to create a single market for the Communist state, however, several European countries including India fear it would also meanChina would seek to softly subvert the poor countries in its ambitious march.

Chinese companies are reportedly on a buying spree to acquire ports across Europe. Last month, two Chinese companies finalised the takeover of a terminal in Zeebrugge, a port in Belgium.

Chinese firms have also finalised similar deals in Italy and Spain.

French President Macron on a recent China visit had warned that some European countries are much more open to Chinese interests, "sometimes at the expense of a European interest".

German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel echoing Merkel's thoughts had warned earlier that "if we don't develop a European strategy regarding China, then China will succeed in dividing Europe".

Ahead of British PM Theresa May's visit last month, China's foreign ministry had said the Belt and Road initiative (OBOR) has "huge potential" and "broad prospects for China and Britain."

The British PM, however, sidestepped the issue and did not sign any agreement related to the Silk route project.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker too had last year weighed into the debate warning about foreign purchases of ports, without naming China.