Voice for CHOICE (China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe)

Amidst the broader geopolitical tensions, the EU-China relations have seen significant changes. De-risking, economic security and strategic autonomy are at the forefront of such changes, with electric vehicle and raw material supply chains driving the EU’s concerns. As the EU continues down the de-risking path, we discuss the anti-subsidy probe into made-in-China electric vehicles and the Critical Raw Materials Act, with a special focus on their implications for the CEE region.

Show notes

North Korean regime has increasingly benefited from deepening cooperation with Russia, a development not fully welcomed by its traditional ally, China. North Korea has supplied the Russian Federation with munitions and other military equipment in exchange for food, raw materials, and components for weapons manufacturing. This growing partnership enables North Korea to circumvent international sanctions, sustain its regime, and bolster its military capabilities, further complicating regional and global security dynamics. 

This month's guest

Show notes

The European Union's engagement in the Indo-Pacific has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the region's strategic importance and economic dynamism. The EU aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific through enhanced cooperation with regional partners like Japan, India, and ASEAN. Moreover, it has become increasingly clear that Europe and Asia are not separate theatres but are deeply intertwined.

This month's guest

Show notes

In recent years, we have seen increased tensions in the Taiwan Strait. China has intensified its military drills around the island and increased coercive tactics against Taiwan, sparking debates about a potential contingency. Discussions revolve around whether Beijing might choose a blockade or a full-scale invasion to alter the status quo. The role of the U.S. and the EU will be crucial in maintaining stability in the Strait and deterring China from making unilateral changes to the current situation.

This month's guest

Show notes

NATO's growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region has stemmed from the Alliance's recognition of the strategic implications of China's rise. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine has underscored the growing geopolitical interdependence between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. That is why NATO has strengthened dialogue and cooperation with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region – Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand and NATO members have increased their presence in the region.

This month's guest

Show notes

NATO's growing interest in the Indo-Pacific region has stemmed from the Alliance's recognition of the strategic implications of China's rise. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine has underscored the growing geopolitical interdependence between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. That is why NATO has strengthened dialogue and cooperation with its partners in the Indo-Pacific region – Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and New Zealand and NATO members have increased their presence in the region.

This month's guest

Show notes

Australia has been a prominent target of China's foreign interference. Beijing has been involved in various covert operations, including cyber espionage, attempts to infiltrate local politics, and efforts to sway public opinion through media and social platforms. Chinese government-linked entities have been accused of leveraging Chinese student associations to promote Beijing's agenda. Hacker groups associated with Beijing have carried out attacks against the computer networks of the Parliament and the three main political parties, as well as individual MPs who are part of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). Furthermore, an Australian politician was offered a financial contribution in exchange for changing their stance on China-related issues. These activities aim to undermine Australia's sovereignty, democratic institutions, and strategic interests. In response, the Australian government passed legislation criminalizing foreign interference and introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme. Despite these efforts, the challenge of countering China's sophisticated and persistent tactics persists.

This month’s guest

Show notes

In October 2023, The European Commission launched an anti-subsidy investigation into the imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles. Furthermore, the commission has instructed customs authorities to start registering the import of electric vehicles from China so that the EU could impose retroactive tariffs. As the decision day on whether to impose definitive duties approaches, Beijing becomes increasingly agitated. Meanwhile, Chinese carmakers BYD and Geely-owned Volvo are ramping up investments in electric vehicle (EV) production across Central Europe, with other companies likely to follow suit. While these investments are generally welcomed by local governments, they are viewed by some as posing additional risks to the European automotive industry.

This month’s guest

Show notes

In early May, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a state visit to France to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. This visit, his first to Europe since the pandemic began, occurred against the backdrop of the EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicle exports and Beijing’s retaliatory probe into imports of French-made brandy. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, participated in the tripartite meeting, adding a European dimension to the discussions. The leaders jointly urged Xi to tackle issues related to China’s overcapacity in electric vehicles and green technologies and addressed the issue of China’s export of dual-use technologies to Russia. Despite raising these concerns, the two sides concluded 32 agreements during the visit. Xi then continued his European tour to Serbia and Hungary, where he sought to strengthen ties, a move perceived by some as an attempt to create divisions within Europe.

This month’s guest

Show notes

While it is true that China has served as a crucial economic support for Russia during the war in Ukraine, it has not fully compensated for the decline in Russian export revenue from the EU. Beijing has supplied Moscow with dual-use goods and technology but there has been no direct provision of lethal military equipment from China to Russia, as the Chinese government and businesses are wary of triggering Western secondary sanctions and losing access to the European market. Thus, It is unlikely that the Chinese government and defense companies will substantially support Russia with heavy weaponry and ammunition in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine. One reason for China holding back is the nuanced and cautious attitude of its foreign policy elites on Russia’s war.

This month’s guest

Show notes