Round Table in the Czech Parliament: Russia and China Are Coordinating Disinformation Against Europe

Russia and China are intensifying their cooperation in the realm of foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and other hybrid operations targeting European states. This topic was at the center of the round table organized by the CHOICE team together with MP Helena Langšádlová in the Czech Parliament, on May 26, 2026.Presentations were delivered by Helena Langšádlová, Ivana Karásková, Pavel Havlíček, and Michael Romancov.

Ivana Karásková, CHOICE founder and lead, explained how China, historically a newcomer to the disinformation space, has very rapidly adopted methods that Russia had previously used in the CEE region. Beijing’s use of TikTok and AI is quickly pushing it to the forefront as a disinformation actor.

AMO analyst Pavel Havlíček highlighted the broader security dimension of Russian influence operations. He pointed out that, unlike China, Vladimir Putin’s regime is increasingly engaging in open confrontation with the West, including physical destruction, assassinations, and acts of military sabotage. At the same time, the Kremlin has not abandoned its information operations, deploying a wide range of tools and actors to obscure the original sources of influence and manipulate public discourse. Havlíček stressed that democratic states must learn to respond to these operations effectively and raise the cost for the aggressor.

The round table discussion focused on the specific tools and mechanisms through which Russia and China coordinate their information operations. Experts outlined the use of both state and non-state actors, the spread of disinformation, information laundering, and the targeted manipulation of European audiences through social media and modern technologies, including AI. The event concluded with the shared sense of urgency among participants, who agreed that more events of this kind are essential for deepening expert exchange and strengthening Europe’s collective resilience.