The newly adopted Spanish external action strategy portrays China in a rosy light and places it on the same level of importance as the US, reflecting the ripples of the Transatlantic rift under Trump 2.0. Key takeaways: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s numerous visits to Beijing and his public rejection of Donald Trump’s policies paved the… Continue reading What’s behind Spain’s pivot to China
The economic weekly Trend repeatedly serves as a vehicle for Chinese propaganda. Trend magazine enables the dissemination of Chinese propaganda and disinformation without any journalistic challenge, downplays serious concerns of the European Union over China’s trade practices, and grossly distorts China’s role in the war in Ukraine and its growing assertiveness towards Taiwan. On 1… Continue reading In the service of China’s interests
Czechia proves to be most China-assertive of the Visegrád group nations. Although he received sharp condemnation from Beijing, Czech President Petr Pavel’s private meeting with the Dalai Lama has resonated positively at home – reflecting a broader trend of strong public support for Tibet and growing skepticism toward China. Although he received sharp condemnation from… Continue reading Despite Beijing’s pushback, Czechs back Pavel’s meeting with the Dalai Lama
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… Continue reading Slovakia: Domestic turmoil meets geopolitical clash
