Since 2020, Slovak foreign policy has become increasingly polarized, with governments shifting between strong pro-Western alignment and a more pragmatic, multi-vector approach. The 2020–2023 administrations deepened ties with the US and EU while remaining cautious on China. In contrast, the Fico-led government since 2023 has pursued closer relations with China, criticized the EU, and maintained pragmatic ties with the US, especially under the Trump administration. While US-China rivalry has had limited direct political impact, its effects are growing in key sectors like cybersecurity and the automotive industry, exposing Slovakia to potential economic risks.
The article was originally published by European Think-tank Network on China.
