Chinese migrant crossings via Western Balkans surge

The number of Chinese citizens detected illegally crossing borders via the Western Balkans route has increased more than 200-fold over the last four years, according to data from Frontex.

Migrants are utilizing social media platforms such as Douyin and Telegram to access guides and services. These digital posts often provide visual instructions on how to cross from Bosnia and Herzegovina into Croatia, sometimes using characters or mascots to illustrate the routes. Some individuals who have successfully traveled through Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the European Union, the United Kingdom, or the United States are reportedly charging high brokerage fees for their services.

One migrant, identified as Wenbin, reported fleeing China following his participation in protests in Jiangyou, Sichuan province, in August 2025. He stated that he faced ongoing police harassment and physical abuse after the demonstrations, which prompted his decision to seek a path to Europe.