BEST OF CHOICE 2024

The past twelve months have been eventful for China-CEE relations. Elections in both Poland and Slovakia, discussions around de-risking, EU-China summit and the recent normalization of ties between Beijing and select Central and Eastern European countries have kept us busy. As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s take a moment to look back and reveal our annual top 10. Here are our picks for the top outputs and activities from CHOICE. 

1. TOP CHOICE article: Will China Save Russia’s Military in 2023?

In 2023, CHOICE readers were particularly interested in Beijing’s support to Moscow in the context of the war in Ukraine. In his article, Thomas Eder provided insights into the Chinese expert debates on China’s military role in Russia’s war.

2. Most Viral Cartoon: Long Live Europe

Ursula Von der Leyen’s speech on China resonated in the EU-China bubble as she presented a clear-eyed vision of the relationship ahead of her visit in Beijing.

3. Most Timely Paper: China in the Western Balkans

As the EU prepares for enlargement, CHOICE study by Ana Krstinovska and Vuk Vuksanović sheds light on China’s role in the extractive and raw materials industries in the Western Balkans and formulates policy recommendations for the EU.

4. TOP CHOICE Activity: Capacity Building in Litomyšl

Reflecting on the past year, the CHOICE core team’s teambuilding in the picturesque town of Litomyšl stands out as a memorable experience. It was a rare opportunity to meet with our fellows in person and brainstorm future CHOICE projects together. 

5. TOP Mentoring Session: Using OSINT Methods in China Research 

In 2023, we held 6 mentoring sessions aimed at fostering the skills of junior researchers on China. Among others, the participants had the chance to exchange with Kenton Thibaut, Resident China Fellow of the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab, on various research methods for understanding Chinese information operations on Chinese social media platforms.

6. TOP CHOICE Program: CHOICE Visiting Fellowship 

In October, we welcomed Stefan Vladisavljev in Prague as a Visiting Fellow. During his stay, Stefan met with key stakeholders, gave interviews to local media outlets, and shared insights on the issue of Chinese influence in the Western Balkans at a working breakfast.

7. TOP CHOICE Infographic: BRICS’s Expansion Plans

At the 2023 summit, the BRICS leaders agreed to welcome six new members. Candidates will formally become members on the 1st of January 2024. However, according to Argentina’s incoming foreign minister, the country will not join the BRICS bloc as scheduled.

8. Most Listened to Podcast: EU-China Relations with Grzegorz Stec

Voice for CHOICE podcast was streamed in 25 countries. The highest number of listeners tuned into our episode with Grzegorz Stec on EU-China relations in 2023. Beijing and Brussels saw renewal of high-level visits in 2023. However, there remain numerous points of contention between China and Europe, most prominently Beijing’s tacit support for Russia’s war on Ukraine.

9. TOP Public Appearance: Hearing at the US Congress

In June, CHOICE leader Ivana Karásková testified on EU-China relations at the hearing of the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission. She spoke about China’s approach towards Europe and European views of China. 

10. CHOICE 2024 Memory Game
 
We understand that working on EU-China relations can be overwhelming. That is why this year we have prepared a memory game for you featuring key figures and themes that shaped the EU-China relationship throughout 2023. Take a pair of scissors, cut out the cards and start playing!