#diplomacy
Voice for CHOICE #27: Sino-Russian Partnership under Scrutiny with Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova
China’s special diplomatic mission is touring Kyiv, Warsaw, Paris, Berlin and Moscow in a stated mission to search for a political solution to the war in Ukraine. However, a number of Central and Eastern…
Amid Heated European China Debate, Hungary Stays on a Beijing-friendly Course
While the EU-China relations are at a crossroads, Hungary’s relationship with the Middle Kingdom seems to be blooming. In the last few years, Budapest has signed a number of massive investment deals with Beijing, earning it the label of China’s European foothold. Although the economic results have sometimes come under question, the political consequences are undeniable.
Speaking Whose Mind? Why the Consequences of Lu Shaye’s Comments Go Beyond the Baltics
Regardless of China’s attempts to cast the Baltics as getting upset over nothing, the scandalous comments on sovereignty of ex-Soviet nations by the Chinese Ambassador to France, Lu Shaye, created a “we told you so” moment for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Again.
Voice for CHOICE #26: Discussing Taiwan’s Parliamentary Diplomacy
Recently, Honduras broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan opening the door to establishing official diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Taiwan thus lost a ninth diplomatic ally since the current President, Tsai Ing-wen,…
A New Era in China’s Approach to the Middle East
With the reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, China might have paved the way for its more systematized involvement in the region.
Voice for CHOICE #24: Unpacking EU-China Relations in 2023 with Grzegorz Stec
After three years of self-imposed isolation, China has opened up to the world. Xi Jinping has come back to the diplomatic stage and we have seen a renewal of high-level visits. In recent weeks,…
Dancing with Wolf Warriors: China’s COVID U-turn and its Implications for Europe
Both China’s zero-COVID U-turn and gentler diplomatic tone are politically useful for Xi Jinping. European leaders should remain vigilant in the face of a potential new charm offensive.
Will Germany Help Shift EU–Taiwan Ties into Gear?
The European Union is in the process of rethinking its relations with China, with an increasing awareness that China presents mounting challenges to core European values and interests. In Brussels, the issue of systemic rivalry has taken center stage in the China debate, while calls for cooperation and engagement remain. Germany is one of the leading member states that has shown support for change in the EU’s relationship with China, while simultaneously proving to be slow in adjusting its own China policy.
End of an Era in Czech-Chinese Relations as Czechs Vote for a New President
The China-friendly Czech President Miloš Zeman will soon be out of office, spelling the end of the Czech courting of Beijing over the previous decade.
China’s New Man in Prague Is Unlikely To Repair Damaged Relations
China has appointed a new ambassador to Prague, Feng Biao, who is replacing the former envoy Zhang Jianmin, whose tenure was marred by scandals. The change comes at a time when Czech-China relations continue to hit new lows, with no turnaround in sight.
Parliamentary Diplomacy to Boost the Resilience of EU-Taiwan Ties
Parliamentary diplomacy has brought Taiwan closer to Europe and encouraged learning from its expertise in combatting disinformation. By exploiting the lack of Taiwan and China competence across the EU, Beijing continues to blur the line between its so-called One-China Principle and the EU’s own One-China Policy. A communication offensive on Taiwan’s relevance to the EU reinforced by parliamentary diplomacy would empower Europeans in the face of Beijing’s disinformation efforts and help keep Taiwan close.
Czech Republic and Taiwan Bolster Ties Amid Authoritarian Coercion
The government led by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who took office in December last year, has demonstrated its determination to stand up against authoritarian coercion and enhance ties with Taiwan. The consolidated ties between Prague and Taipei have become strikingly discernible against the backdrop of deteriorating ties with Beijing.