China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE)

👋 Meet the team behind China Observers! 🚀 Introducing Ivana Karásková, China Team Lead at AMO - Association for International Affairs, project manager Michael Douša, communications manager Johanna Mylonaki and our China analysts Filip Noubel, Dominika Remžová and Dominika Urhová. 🤝 Together we analyze China's influence in Europe! 🌍

📢 We are pleased to introduce Nataliya Butyrska, a Senior Fellow at the Центр "Нова Європа" / New Europe Center in Kyiv, a distinguished expert on East Asia, and our #WiCH co-chair for Ukraine! 👩🎓 Nataliya's research focuses on the geopolitical challenges arising from the strategic cooperation between Russia and China, as well as the broader implications for global security. With expertise in geopolitics, international relations, and the Asia-Pacific region, Nataliya also examines how Ukraine’s ties with Asian countries are evolving during these turbulent times. 🎙️ Listen to Nataliya’s reasons for joining WiCH and discover her unique perspective as part of this initiative! 👏

Western influencers are increasingly drawn into China’s narrative strategies, knowingly or unknowingly. 🌍 This #CHOICE article explores how Czech TikToker Jan Michálek, with over a million followers, found himself at the center of a global debate after an all-expenses-paid trip to Beijing. 🤔 Key points: 🔹 Czech TikToker accused of spreading Chinese propaganda after his visit. 🔹 Beijing’s strategies include cultivating foreign influencers to amplify CCP narratives abroad. 🔹 Incentives range from paid trips to collaborations with influencer studios. 🔹 Impacts extend beyond global audiences to reinforce domestic messaging in China. Part of the #FutureCHOICE series, this Barbora Kotuľáková's article highlights the evolving responsibilities of influencers in shaping public opinion.

Can Europe Match China's Influence in Africa’s Critical Mineral Race? 🌍 Europe's reliance on China for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt undermines its green transition and energy security. Sarah Logan's article, based on her policy brief for European Council on Foreign Relations, examines the EU’s challenges and what must change to secure sustainable CRM supply chains. Key points: 🔹 Europe heavily relies on China for CRMs essential for renewable energy technologies. 🔹 Africa holds 1/3 of global CRM resources, making it a key player in the EU’s strategy. 🔹 EU’s partnerships in Africa face hurdles like limited investments and infrastructure gaps. 🔹 Stronger incentives are crucial for Europe’s energy security and geopolitical stability. Read the full article to learn how Europe can step up in the CRM race and reduce its dependency on China! 👇

Welcome to 2025 with #CHOICE! Our first newsletter of the year is here, bringing you in-depth insights into the events shaping global dynamics: 📱 TikTok and Romania’s elections – Discover how the platform revolutionized voter engagement, raising critical questions about digital influence and regulation. ⚖️ Taiwan’s judiciary in focus – Explore the ongoing debates over the independence of Taiwan’s Constitutional Court, a reflection of deeper societal and political divides. 🌍 New regional perspectives – Dive into how Central and Eastern Europe is shaping the broader European debate on China, with fresh insights into the challenges and opportunities for the region. Start the year informed, inspired, and ready to engage with the key topics shaping our world. Don’t miss out and read more in our newsletter here! 👉 https://lnkd.in/eJRBeeSG

While much of the focus remains on TikTok’s data privacy concerns, a far more significant security risk is flying under the radar: Chinese agricultural drones. These advanced technologies, produced by companies like DJI and XAG, gather highly specific farming data that could reshape global food security and geopolitics. Key Insights: 📌 Chinese drones don’t just track farming operations – they collect detailed agricultural data, including soil conditions, crop vulnerabilities, and climate trends. 📌 Such data could be weaponized to influence global food markets or even conduct biological warfare targeting crops. 📌 Gaps in regulation leave nations vulnerable to food-based coercion, potentially undermining critical infrastructure and trade resilience. 📌 The potential misuse of this technology aligns with China's broader strategic goals, including economic dominance and military-civil fusion initiatives. Dive into the analysis by Emilian Kavalski and Claris Monica Diaz for a deeper understanding of how Chinese-made technologies are reshaping the global security landscape. This article, originally published by War on the Rocks, is a must-read for anyone concerned with food security and national resilience. 🌍

The EU is at a crossroads: how to balance reducing dependency on Chinese battery components with building local capacity? Estonia might have the answer. 🚀🔋 Key points of the new #CHOICE article: 🔹 Estonia leads with innovations like green graphite by UP Catalyst & “SuperBatteries” by Skeleton Technologies. 🔹 China dominates the refining & battery production chain (85%+ CRM processing). Estonia showcases how Europe can compete. 🔹 The EU needs to deepen capital markets & scale up innovative businesses for a sustainable, independent future. 🌱 What role will smaller states like Estonia play in reshaping global supply chains? Dive into the full article by Elzė Pinelytė to learn more! 👇

Will Trump’s presidency reshape Georgia’s foreign policy? Our new article examines Tbilisi’s strategic hopes for improved ties with the US and the challenges posed by its growing relationship with China. Key Findings: 🔹 Trump’s victory sparked optimism in Georgia’s ruling party, but cabinet appointments signal tougher times. 🔹 US-Georgia relations remain strained, with bipartisan criticism of Georgia's anti-Western stance. 🔹 Deepening ties with China may backfire under a Trump-led administration. Will Georgia successfully navigate between Washington and Beijing? 🤔 Read the full analysis by Aksana Akhmedova! 👇

China's GDP growth dropped to 4.8% in 2024, with weak domestic demand and rising deflationary pressures at the forefront. Alicia Garcia-Herrero 艾西亞's latest analysis for #CHOICE explores this ongoing economic slowdown. Key points: 📌Domestic consumption’s contribution to GDP fell from 4.3% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024. 📌Investment growth slowed, contributing just 1.3% to GDP. 📌Deflation and overcapacity weigh on the economy, driven by weak demand and a struggling real estate sector. The recent Central Economic Work Conference announced fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, including a RMB 10 trillion local debt swap and eased real estate policies. Will these efforts stabilize China’s economy or fall short? Read the full analysis for insights! 👇

China’s Zhuhai Summit highlighted: 🔹 Russia’s Su-57 fighter and Viking systems captivated Chinese interest. 🔹 Discussions on future aerospace and defense cooperation. 🔹 Growing Sino-Russian alignment in tech, energy, and geopolitics. Russia’s participation signals deeper cooperation despite global isolation. With EU scrutiny over #China’s neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, what does this summit tell us about the future of Sino-Russian relations? Find out more in the new #CHOICE article by Marketa Vasickova! 👇