China's Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: the Logic and Power Of

POLICY PAPER China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence

IVANA KARÁSKOVÁ, ALICJA BACHULSKA, BARBARA KELEMEN, TAMÁS MATURA, FILIP ŠEBOK, MATEJ ŠIMALČÍK

POLICY PAPER China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence

IVANA KARÁSKOVÁ, ALICJA BACHULSKA, BARBARA KELEMEN, TAMÁS MATURA, FILIP ŠEBOK, MATEJ ŠIMALČÍK CHINA’S STICKS AND CARROTS IN CENTRAL EUROPE: THE LOGIC AND POWER OF CHINESE INFLUENCE

Policy paper June 2020

Editor – Ivana Karásková Authors – Alicja Bachulska, Ivana Karásková, Barbara Kelemen, Tamás Matura, Filip Šebok, Matej Šimalčík Citation – Karásková, I. et al. (2020). China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence. Prague, Czech Republic, Association for International Affairs (AMO). Handbook for stakeholders – To access the handbook for stakeholders stemming from this report, please refer to the electronic version which can be found online at www.mapinfluence.eu.

The publication was prepared within the projectMapInfluenCE (previously known as ChinfluenCE), that maps China’s influence in Central Europe, specifically Czechia, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia. The project is designed and run by the Association for International Affairs (AMO), a Prague-based foreign policy think tank and NGO. The preparation of this paper was supported by a grant from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Typesetting – Zdeňka Plocrová Print – Vydavatelství KUFR, s.r.o. – tiskárna

ASSOCIATION FOR INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (AMO) Žitná 27/608 CZ 110 00 Praha 1 Tel.: +420 224 813 460 [email protected] www.amo.cz

Summary 7

Recommendations 9

Introduction: Research design and its scope 11

Hard sell: The travail of establishing China’s influence in Czechia 16

Let’s Party: Inter-party relations as a mainstay of Chinese influence 22 Under the radar: The discreet charm of Chinese paradiplomacy 24 We the people? Challenges of people-to-people diplomacy with PRC 26 Death of a salesman: The empty promise of Chinese investment 31

When Beijing met Warsaw: A story of continuing courtship 33

More than meets the eye: China’s paradiplomacy in Poland 36 Unnoticed, developing fast: People-to-people relations 37 Look who’s talking: China story, made in Poland 39 And the winner is... : China’s national champion in company-to-people and company-to-government relations 41

One autocrat’s taste for carrots: The curious case of China’s influence in Hungary 45

Not very nutritious: Paradiplomacy à la Hungary 48 Growing appetite: People-to-people relations 49 Leave it to the boss: The conspicuous lack of government-to-people relations 50 Drawing closer: Company-to-people relations 51 More than welcome: Chinese companies in Hungary 51

Missing in action? China in Slovakia 53

The weak concoction of Sino-Slovak paradiplomacy 56 Eastern promises: Growing network of Confucius Institutes in Slovakia 58 Telling China’s story in Slovakia 59 Touchy-feely business interconnections 62

Conclusions 64

Recommendations 68

Authors 71 About MapInfluenCE 73 About AMO 75 Footnotes 77

→ → → → → → → Summary

Central Europe, the damage would limited. be the potential damage they can cause to the other country. In the case of effectiveness of ‘sticks’ depends on China’s The budge. to opponent the prompt to in order them implements it before China’s or the Huawei case. sticks have not been used in connection to the human rights record critique sovereignty, especially the issues of Taiwan and Tibet. the On other hand, The use of ‘sticks’ has predominantly been linked to the question of China’s employing ‘carrots’ as its first option in establishing itself in theregion. diplomacy) was also the first one to emerge. China’s This levelsince 2000s. of CEE-China interaction (including party-to-party China has been increasingly active on the government-to-government level openings for Chinese influence to enter and thrive in theregion. and economic elites’ interest in attracting China’s additionIn China’s to country’s a in is muted to a of ‘carrots’ and recently also more ‘sticks’. In Slovakia, China’s represents a represents ‘sticks’. In Poland it employs mainly ‘carrots’, while in Czechia, which In Hungary, China uses exclusively ‘carrots’ without the need to apply climate, geopolitical standing and level of interactions. V4 all in similar a establishing (V4, i. e. Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). While its goal of China does not use a (‘carrots’) and coercion (‘sticks’). and tactics employed in this through effort analysis of inducement establishing influence from scratch and enables mapping strategiesthe CE provides an interesting case study of how China goes about infrastructure which would allow it to pull the levers of direct power. In Central Europe (CE), China is a

limited way as Beijing continues remainto on the sidelines of the

tactics include signaling the use of ‘sticks’ and their scope

foreign interests.

state with a with state level where the notion of ‘carrots’ and ‘sticks’ only applies

friendly environment and the strategy to achieve it are

countries, its tactics differ reactionin to the local political

‘one size fits all’ approach Visegrádin countries intentions, Central European states and their political

tradition of opposing China, it uses a

newcomer and thus without an

credibility to wield them and

attention creates creates attention

tactics tend towards

influence influence mixture mixture

7 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 8 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence → → → → → → →

shape China’s to contributed languages China in local Radio International broadcasting of presence increased the and content agreements shared of supplements, increase their presence in mainstream ones. Media cooperation in the form European countries have combined fringe media outlets with attempts to With the exception of Hungary, the Chinese embassies in the other Central influence local media and target the Chinese diaspora increased. The activities of domestic players equal deserve scrutiny in the effort to China’s to lead which also effectively shape China’s China’s which through forces activities of local political proxies. Domestic figures are one of the driving The evaluation of ‘sticks’ used by China is complicated by the existence and company-to-people level).or aspects of China’s domains. This finding the supports claim that the government influences all government relations. China tends to retaliate in a domain where the ‘offense’ came from, i.e. the level of government-to- The means of coercion have not been limited to retaliation in the same Especially with the COVID-19 and shaping uncritical China-related academic debates. despite international criticism related to their possible impact on enabling Chinese organizations. Confucius Institutes have also grown in number different with communication maintained have organizations governmental developed bilaterally multilaterally well as as non- non-profit and local and China’sof but not necessarily widely enough publicized and researched –component People-to-people interactions have been the most dynamically evolving – journalists. and communities watching this domain its activities have gone largely unnoticed by the local China increasing the number of partnerships with regions and municipalities. In China has become active at a upcoming politicians of not only the governing, but also opposition parties. party-to-party and people-to-people relations, cultivating senior as well as Department of the Chinese Communist Party, that has been active in International Liaison the through by China, sometimes promoted and as well as inducements. Still other forms of ‘carrots’ were clearly offered In Czechia, China has used local proxies to communicate some threats describe and critically assess the impacts of China’s

activity in the Visegrád countries. Academic exchange has

image. However, despite numerous at-tempts by the Chinese

foreign relations (including those at the people-to-people

public diplomacy ‘achievements’ or ‘failures’. ‘achievements’ or diplomacy public

influence is exercised in the country andwho

epidemic, China’sepidemic, image. It is thus not exclusively China’s

sub-governmental level, establishing and and establishing level, sub-governmental

activities which attempt to

number of other

‘sticks’ and ‘carrots’.

actions actions → → → → → Recommendations →

up with their own coherent China strategies which will contain clear and of their policies towards China. After the audit, the countries should come evaluate the role of individual government agencies and the effectiveness V4 issues, without the fear of experiencing high economic costs. afraidbe to engage in critical discussions, including those on human rights Due to low economic dependence on China, Visegrád countries should not policy wherever possible. policy in the EU as well as within the 17+1 multilateral relations. Countries should more be active in (co)creating China account the structural and political barriers evident in bilateral as well as their objectives more realistic, yet not opportunistic, while also taking into Visegrád countries need to recalibrate their approach to China to make procurement. public and loans investment, with China. Special emphasis should placed be on transparency in Higher levels of transparency should employed be at all levels of relations benefits. of economic promises superiority and economic China’s fighting of of the benefits of the EU, its values and economicits might as a EU should initiate information and PR campaigns to make its citizens aware At the EU level, particularly in the aftermath of the coronavirus epidemic, China. with endangering their alliance with the US through developing closer relations and China, especially in security domain. V4 EU-China and relations US-China influence ties Centralbetween Europe from journalists. entities, their media reach is still limited and receives a political realities of China, including its human rights track record. The countries’ China strategies should aware be of both the economic and measurable objectives and specify the means to achieve these objectives.

countries should conduct an audit of their relations with China to

appeal and influence stemming from China’s influencestemming and from appeal

platform, adhering to common EU common to adhering platform,

countries have been wary of

significant pushback pushback significant

component component

perceived 9 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 10 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence → → → → → → →

be reviewedbe to limit the potential for misuse of former politicians’ political salient especially in Czechia, is worrisome. The revolving-doors rules should lobbyists, politicians of former finding trend pro-China employmentThe as respective governments’ foreign policies. CCP legitimacy and undermine the integrity and coherence of the avoiding regular government-level channels. Suchassist efforts in bolstering in creating alternative platforms for conducting diplomacy, party thus V4 V4 the complement approaches towards China for local and regional governments and can Guidelines for paradiplomacy would provide an overview of (un)suitable companies to the military and CCP. Chinese entities while also taking into account possible linkage of Chinese Universities need to undertake increased due diligence when dealing with influence. Chinese opening future generations of governmental China to undue experts temptedbe to rely on Chinese financing of China-focused subjects, thus education of their home-grown China universities otherwise experts, will largely unnoticed. Central European governments should the support The academic cooperation Visegrád between countries and China goes through national investment screening mechanisms. a as investment in the media sector. It is thus crucial to keep considering media it could grow more aggressive in the future in the case of Chinese China’sDespite inspiration. China. The experience of Czech investigative journalists can as an serve of the potential benefits, risks and side effects of cooperation with A access and networks for the gain of foreign powers.

support forsupport independent journalism is crucial in raising public awareness

countries should avoid assisting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

strategic asset and to monitor investment into the media sector

current media strategy having been, so far, unsuccessful,

countries’ overall China strategies.

type of relation.type theframework scopeIt enlarges the types twoof original by adding relations it as sees belonging them as to the broader government-to-government level,state by such as regions or municipalities) on diplomat-to-diplomat rather than it as from focusesdiverts on him paradiplomacy (diplomacy conducted at the sub- the actors who it. engage in diplomacy traditional public and distinguishes Manheim diplomacy by looking at (AMO) Prague. in project, InfluenCE Europe. It builds on the knowledge the and network established the Mapthrough efforts overthefifteen inperiod years the four of differentpast Central in countries rigorous careful, in rests research thefocused manifestation on of China’s public diplomacy effectiveness. their value assessing and main of theThe publication fluencethein region, focusing on a Europe. Central might or economicmilitary power, weak or are not ofpresent the case in as at all, becomethese can effective in contexts power,of aspects where‘harder’ the suchas China’s of components ‘soft’ to maps the tools employed China order in influence. to gain A relationslitical (which doubt puts in the impact of diplomatic sanctions).study This effects possibleof economicsanctions) and, recently,until the narrow scope po of power),hard the relatively low level economic of mutual (which exchange the limits geostrategicthe location possible (thus nullifying practically use of China’s ofextent due limited its is impact to the geographic of the countries distance their and employsChina to establish its influencefrom scratch. power. CE may thus provide of study tactics and the strategies case interesting an which would allow it the levers to pull thusand without infrastructure of an direct America or Europe.territories Latin Africa, Sub-Saharan like China’s the and broader Asia focused onhave East Asia-Pacific primarily region, throughbut power politics, including attempts outspheres carve to influence.of Such concerns Ivana Karásková scope its and design Research Introduction: Association for International for Affairs Association (AMO) Thedrawsinspirationstudy from Jarol B. Manheim’s This publicationThis represents a Europe, apply Central the certainly its power can against directly China While someIn of the regions, Europe Central such in (CE), as a is China increasingly it rises, come has China As to be perceived the prism through of

Belt announced 2013 Road and in (BRI) Initiative 1

designed led and by the Association for International Affairs 3 This study, however, modifies Manheim’s modifies however, study, This

power, public such as diplomacy propaganda, and as

first-ever attempt China’smap systematically to

broad of range tools of China’s

useful typology useful of relations.

also coveralso farther-flung

special focus given is special

traditional and and traditional

approach and and approach

newcomer newcomer diplomacy diplomacy

military military

in - - - 2

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 12 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence nature of the tools used against the local government/public). the local of the toolsnature used against which yielded are by China), while ‘sticks’ refer to coercion (the negative, punishing represent inducement an (the positive, of diplomacy nature appealing instruments amples of the tools which uses to achieve Europe. China Central in its goals ‘Carrots’ interactions. totied the 17+1 not account full theexchange.of bilateral Moreover, some theof arerelationsclosely ation, however, focuses the study only on China’s closely Mayor’s to the Prague linked China’s e.g. are states complexand European TheCentral relations China and between reactive, or reciprocal European countries regard to by in China. actionssimilar taken Central be documented evaluated and open using source deliberately and material ignores where the tool announced was by a the attribution of a ality or allegedly)only communicate of on Chinesebehalf entitiesfurther complicates described of Similarly interlocutors activities local cases. theand existence who (in re the publication, the specific toolincludedis into thecategory which fits most of the tions over the lease of to panda CE countries. order In of to adhere to the structure of relations)type ratherdifficultis make. to Similarly problematic were the negotia company-to-people or paradiplomacy government-to-government, to belonging (e.g. CEand countries, the classificationtype the of theof relation ina China between links the such establishmentseveralIn cases, as transport of direct for comparison among four countries andenabling reaching more general conclusions. the publication, allowing of purpose structuring relations. It serves the analytical also which differentiates (at andverballyleast whenin China’s types of (below)them. relations various Theof distinction Chinese reflects rhetoric, amongof relations types various the based on actorsdistinguishes whichin engage level or Chinese companies’ relations foreign in countries. Nevertheless, study this relations, all be ittrates relations conducted on the sub-state level, the people-to-people place may and provide resources for out. it to The be carried Chinese governmentpene involve one in form or another the government, the whichfirst in allows the activity democraticin of relations, types including countries –all people-to-people relations, abroad. goals their however, China, represents a by Beijing the COVID-19 during Huawei). It looks also of at the the manifestations recent ‘mask diplomacy’ conducted privatenominally companies strong relations with to the Chinese government (e.g. the diplomacy conducted has China its companies state via (e.g. HSBC) CITIC, or a in company-to-government) and (company-to-people relations of The followingtabledifferent types of attemptsrelations ex and summarize to Of course, all countries course, toOf diplomacy engage means promote in all use and similar This study focuses This on tools of China’s

decision to cancel the Czech musical ensembles’ concerts Beijing in was

platform, thus making it hard to dissect bilateral platform-based and it toplatform, dissect hard thus making

particular tool. The study discusses this issue andissue clearly tool.this marks discusses Thestudy particular

pandemics in Central Europe.pandemics Central in

local interlocutor instead of the Chinese entity. Chinese the of instead interlocutor local

statements actions and preceding the cancel

traditional and public and traditional diplomacy which can

rather special case where case rather special – unlike

activities, providingactivities, thorough but

interests) these between

particular countryparticular

need to react to - - - - - AS DOCUMENTED IN CENTRAL EUROPE CENTRAL IN AS DOCUMENTED CHINA’S OF TOOLS OF TABLE SUMMARY 1: TO-GOVERNMENT type of relation of type PARADIPLOMACY GOVERNMENT- PEOPLE-TO- PEOPLE → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → → →

(co)sponsored trips of non- Radio International) language by broadcasting China local NGOs, and agencies news local sharing Xinhua content and between media cooperation in supplements, spread of China-positive narrative (e.g. Classrooms Confucius and Institutes Confucius (sub-nationalepidemic level) “mask diplomacy” during coronavirus provincial governments’ agreements) on (based links transport of opening panda diplomacy** sister city agreements municipal representatives to China (co)sponsored trips of regional/ promises of investment projects ties regional of cultivation epidemic “mask diplomacy” during coronavirus China’s of promises reasons) (for political links transport direct of opening selection) Secretary-General UN (e.g. the during in internationalsupport forums increased party-to-partyrelations (e.g. partnerships) strategic documents high-level of signing groups) friendship (invitations e.g through politicians of trips (co)sponsored ministerial level) Minister, Prime (President, visits level increased diplomatic exchange, high- between Chinese and CE universities) CE and Chinese between lower level “mask diplomacy” (e.g. diaspora Chinese of use associations friendship establishment and cooperation with camps) diaspora Chinese Future, the for (e.g. Bridge projects cooperation youth ofsponsorship cultural events academicincreased cooperation region the in NGOs of establishment academics)NGOs, (e.g. journalists, actors governmental inducement (‘ 4

investment

carrots’) TRADITIONAL AND DIPLOMACY PUBLIC

parliamentary parliamentary

→ → → → → → → → → → →

coercion (‘sticks’) renunciation of sub- renunciation China in operating companies against retaliation economic of threat links* transport direct rerouting of threat links/ transport direct established already new/cancellation of ofpostponement opening economic cooperation halting of negotiations on diplomatic relations of limitation/freezing cancellation of visits representatives state shunning/ignorance of Chinese diaspora Embassy/abuse of orchestrated by Chinese demonstrations China to of invitations cancellation ** panda of denial Tibetans) honor to spaces public renaming or Taiwan’s (e.g. on disinviting politicians communal on applied pressure agreements) city (e.g. sister government documents

representatives

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 14 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence ** Panda diplomacy may belong to paradiplomacy, government-to-people relations or government-to-government type type government-to-government or relations government-to-people paradiplomacy, to belong may diplomacy Panda ** entities. state Chinese not interlocutors, European Central by conveyed *Threats Source: authors’ compilation own government). the of heads or state (e.g. the of level heads possible highest the at conducted being panda of lease the of negotiations of round initial the on insisted side Chinese the case, Czech in the that fact the despite Poland, of experience the on based section paradiplomacy to the diplomacy panda to place decided authors involved). The actors the on (based relations of SUB-STATE LEVEL LEVEL SUB-STATE GOVERNMENT/ GOVERNMENT- COMPANY-TO- COMPANY-TO- COMPANY-TO- TO-PEOPLE ENTITIES PEOPLE → → → → → → → → → → → → → → →

social media, cooperation with local local with cooperation media, social on entities state Chinese of presence ambassador’s (e.g. media local in representatives state Chinese by co-created content China’s companies and CE governments governments CE and companies Chinese between partnership strategic taxpayer) center (provider of employment and regional company of establishment healthcare centers) national or regions municipalities, to donations of protective equipment (company “mask diplomacy” “mask diplomacy” acquisition teams of local sports media’s local control to acquisition media research) joint Science of Academy Huawei-Slovak Poland, in Academy Network and (e.g. Huawei Authorized Information company-to-academia cooperation program) Future the for students’ competition (Huawei’s winning to connected rewards Borsodchem) Confucius Institutes (e.g. Wanhua- establishment and operation of company’s 5G) from Huawei excluding of costs promoting company’s analyses tank think of sponsorship views) its or company the promoting (paid advertorials op-eds academic, etc.) ofsponsorship events (cultural, sport, diaspora) Chinese involving Embassy Chinese by (e.g.“mask diplomacy” conducted etc.) influencers, media social Hungary) in Wescast-Bohong or China of Bank (e.g. Yanfeng, Huawei, BorsodChem,

government scholarships China coverage

sponsorship ofsponsorship

op-eds, increasedop-eds,

interests (e.g. on interests

Seeds Seeds → →

team)* (e.g. a from divestment of threat op-eds critical ambassador’s

local sport local sport

countries stem from the situation described the country-based in analyses. be observedcan across the region. Conclusions and specific recommendations forthe China’s in thebring desired outcomes dissimilarities and what and similarities tostates promote its how goals, the ‘sticks’ applied are ‘carrots’ that do the case not in lations the questions answer and of what European of kind tools Central uses in China The following country-basedchapters build theaforementionedon typology of re

tactics tactics - 15

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 16 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence with the change of the change the governmentwith 2006. in The Greens a (Zelení), years before signed. actually it was toa sign preparing was economic later In comments,expecting gains. Paroubek government alleged his that ParoubekJiří at the helm professed to be open to improved cooperation China, with The new government led the by Democratic Czech Party leftist Social (ČSSD)with PM Tibet resulted rights a human and in a after relations bilateral Chinesesince official to the 1993. country manifested visit the The improvement of enmeshedand it into a anchoredextent the relationship provided it as has bilateral contacts for regularized Czechia have been subsumed under the 17+1 they showed Since relations China. 2012, with interest ties with strengthening in increased political attention with leadersand Prague in economicincentives when Czech for politicians touching upon ‘sensitive issues’, but moved also to reward unfolding since Czechia’s of versus rights economic human a as pragmatism environment toing the changing on the Czech political scene, where the struggle a a by characterized shape China’s through which China’s leads This to a (e.g. well ex-politicians as as current lobbyists)and effectively hiding them. behind a via the Czech demonstrates,as acts case also China to react –either positively such developments. –to all or antagonistically However, at a aim tend though every stripe some to have China, with agencyof dealing in actions their of (‘carrots’) rewards punishments and (‘sticks’). Unlike Hungary, in Czech of politicians International for Affairs Association (AMO) Filip Šebok and Ivana Karásková Czechia establishing China’s Hard sell: The travail of

cooling of high-level contact. China’s Chinese PM Wen Jiabao visited 2005 Czechia in However, the sensitive bilateral issues relations in to soon the spotlight returned China-Czech relations at the level of governments 15 the past in Czechia a is

local audiencelocal a are and

image, rather than China’simage, rather than principal-agent situation, wheretheareforcemain figures pro-China

prime interesting laboratory and which in to test China’s

sinusoid,with outburstsalternating of affectionwith mutual

influenceandexercisedis the in whoalso effectively country

wider regional context. regional wider strategic partnership agreement with China at ten the time, agreement China partnership strategic with

tumultuous period whentumultuous conflict overtheissues of Taiwan,

independence. Beijing proved has to punish to be willing

function of tendsdomesticChina struggle. political 6

de-facto freeze of high-level political contacts.

approach been largely has reactive, respond

direct actions alone doing so. doing alone actions direct

cooperation format, cooperation

influence in in influence

basis forbasis been policy has China

in a in

number of domestic actors actors domestic of number

first visit of a first

5 minor coalition par coalition minor which to some has

years have been been have years

employment employment

top-level - - export deals, worth 12 worth deals, export by the Office of the Czech President, presided of23 over the signing a theand bilateral ties were described history. in the best as two The leaders signed thein Xi regionthat visitedJinpingcountry had theas first Czechia president was criticism) a and (as Asia in the only head EU of despite and state significant domesticandinternational a by President Jinping. Xi Thefirst-ever visit Chinese of the Presidentwas apparently policy followed by Czechia for the previous 20 the Czech foreign “Dalai-Lamaism”, policy as to China rights-based seeing the human reconsidering approach its Beijing. towards the region came, largely coincidentally, at a 2009 between functioning ceased cooperation economic on committee intergovernmental to meet him. reportedly willing 2010, in EXPO planned to visit the Shanghai since no Chinese high-level was official of the and freezing criticism high-level contacts. a As which resulted Lama fierce in of Minister,post the Dalai Prime met Chinese with policy by agreed the Czech cabinet. PM Topolánek Mirek only a in visited the games Tibet. for group ty, took theup Tibetissue, the to leading establishment of a expensive project of the Czech President.poised Thus,was that itChina appeared on study the Danube-Oder-Elbe building analytical on an extremely an river canal, a Initiative, a signed for policy relation the One-China in to Tibet. relations. in impetus” the communique, In the Czech side support explicitly affirmed Beijing April 2014, in a common press for communique a “fresh issued, calling was related to 17+1part 2014 by theof Therelations’ newfinalized ‘restart was government January informed Rusnok 2013 in new Czech President, appointment his and of the care-taker government led by Jiří to promoting relations China. with Summit, the Czech PM Petr Ne its 16+1in boycott theof 2008 200 moves’ on issues of China’s to reward Czechia for its shelving of political issues its and cessation of ‘sensitive

reward for Zeman’s strategic partnership agreement partnership strategic the visit during The warming of relations finally culminated in March in the culminated 2016of relationsfinally The warming reacted to of the change China policy contacts, bilateral significant by in resuming High-level contacts did not 2012, resume until when Beijing included Czechia Much ado made about was the economic deliverables touted –Zeman more than

billion of CZK Chinese investment coming to Czechia by 2020. Most attention

and ledand by ČSSD’s and 2014. and

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation on the Belt Road and

initiative at the summit in Warsaw. in atinitiative the summit China’s

move allegedly economic, with but reality political rationale. in mostly 7 11

Karel Schwarzenberg, Karel the then Foreign Minister, for openly called the more policy pro-China by the Czech leadership. that It stressed was resulted a in

activities. During a During activities. Olympic Beijing, in Games comparing them to Hitler’s

trip to Beijingtrip to commemorate the end of the Second World War

billion EUR in total. billion in EUR Bohuslav Sobotka. Bohuslav

sovereignty and human rights record. rights human and sovereignty

fundamental change change fundamental of coursepolicyin towards China. č 10 as came up with a up came with as Contacts were frozen on other levels well as –the 9 In 2009, In Fisher, Jan Topolánek’s 13 Soon after,the electionthe MilošZeman, of

visit ofvisit Foreign Lubomír Minister Zaorálek to

time whentime the Czech government was 12 16 14 One on of was cooperation the deals

Just months two before the Warsaw In November In 2015, countries the two years as performative and detrimental performativeyears as detrimental and

personal capacity,personal based on a 15

new pejoratively term describing and, according issued to the tally

result, Fisher to had cancel his

new-found interest towards towards interest new-found

parliamentary friendship friendship parliamentary

successor the in visit tovisit Czechia investment and and investment

Olympics.

common common 8

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 18 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence want to)want deliver upon. investment others CEE an coun Czechia all As –and target, a interlocutors by creating thus China contributed against to backlash the ultimate Chinese Paradoxically, Beijing. by than rather interests, domestic own their following Chinese investment (including specific numbers)have createdbeen by Czech actors 2018 in assets the Chinese state-owned company CITIC which to came the rescue acquired and its revealed to be a for government. embarrassment Chinese the bringing ultimately out to be the wrong choice for out Beijing its objectives to carry towards Czechia, chairman Ye a in disappeared chairman Jianming theinvestments, down company after ran encountered problemsfinancial andits economic results. China’s (seepartnerships below) not has proved sufficient in the face ofa ping’s the Czech side despite and some opposition from Chinese companies. airline connections ofopening direct seems to have been on made the directly request of have opened since 2015. Czech-China flights to Chengdu, Beijing a and(with Shanghai Forum 2018, in its role with aviation hub an as by direct being manifested the three 2017 2015, of Communications and the of Bank mercial China Bank opened in branches Prague in Encouraged by the Beijing Com and government, the Industrial of China, the Bank heldfirst in 2010)and a became (supported by CEFC) subsumed was under the framework of the 17+1 cooperation, aviation cooperation. health and civil Investment The China Forum the 17+1ities within questionable. are economy Czech benefits of not the Czechia, actual businessits success in pay taxes in forChina the pushing for the ‘restart’. force important to lobbyists pro-China beenand be speculated an Czechia has and in license toin China. offer loans retail PPF, owned by the richest Czech Petr businessman, Kellner) a granted was the Czechciding with foreign policy ‘restart’, Home Credit (a benefits for (at some) least Czech companies theon market. Chinese At a Zeman. President Czech the to advisor honorary offensive. of CEFC, chairman The YeevenJianming, (unprecedentedly) an became by a directed the Czechia as Chinese and as state ed in media and over sports engineering, 2015-2017. The of activities CEFC wereinterpret lobbyists. which made employing its headquarters Prague, in former Czech politicians and givenwas to acquisitions by a

vision of an unrealistic upgrade ofvision economic of unrealistic an Beijing ties that could not (or did not Nevertheless, it notable is most of that the public surrounding expectations At the first glance, theglance,At the first Czech government’s Yet, reached bilateral ties that the period of its of Jin apex at warm the time Xi Beijing’s

2016 17

and 2019 and CEFC acquired a

visit has faded has visit very quickly. Relying on the establishment of political

favoring into Czechia support translated seemingly of Czechia’s

in a in

Ponzi scheme fueledbailed was andfinancing, CEFC out by by local

final bidfinal saveto face.

respectively. Czechia China-CEEC hosted Civil Aviation the 1st

platform, where been it designated a has as 19 20 However, PPF as registered is the Netherlands in does and Rather than buttressed by a Rather than

economic outreach, mostly undertaken CEFC through

wide estate, portfolio beer real brewing, in of assets

nominally privatenominally Shanghai-based company CEFC flagship event forthe in Czechparticipation format. 18 PPF has been linked closely been PPF linked has to President Zeman 24

corruption probe in China. in probe corruption

new policy brought towards China

clear economic rationale, the the rationale, economic clear

part of the economicpart charm

stopover Xi’an) in which

daughter company of of company daughter 23

Its were operations center for financial

lack of promised 22

CEFC turned CEFC turned in 2013 in

time coin

national

21 (it was was (it

prior ------light aircraft andthe opening of a light aircraft on commercial of the such contracts sale reported as Czech Chinesealso stalling received finally was only by a Tomšík’s niously. treated the Czech Tomšík Ambassadorcounterparts Beijing in Vladimír unceremo to leaked diplomatic cables published Czech in September media in 2019, Chinese worsening relations the diplomatic have in manifested sphere well. as According zhen) reportedly considering was and divestment from the soccer Slavia club. (Prague-Shen tobetween shelveChina flight and direct Czechia the planned fifth 2019 October in months revoked of finally discussions, Prague sister-cityits agreement Beijingwith cooperation politicians.cultural top On of(see below), cutting whenafter several the media. moves have, however,antagonize and onlyboth politicians Czech served to further People’s the of representative the the director ofexpel the Taipei Economic Office from Cultural and meetings where pressured Trade and of the Czech Mayor Industry Minister well the Prague as as to took steps which appeared to have steered away from established practice when he of Foreignthein (Minister Democrats-ledprevious Social Affairs government). to publicAndrejwith PM Babiš conflicts and Minister of LubomírCulture Zaorálek telecommunication companies other and issues. The style brash of ambassadorthe led Czech mediaand politicians cizing for statements on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Chinese who 2018, in the post Jianmin, assumed unprecedentedly became criti in assertive a voice the European in debate over 5G security. onwhichmade Cyber earlyan Information and (NUKIB) Czechia skeptical Security thelate after 2018 toissues related Huawei mainly have become a cancelled to theChina. of visit of the Czech Agriculture Minister reiterated Czech support for China’s of four’, where the four representatives highest constitutionally of the Czech state down byened at ‘declaration calmed it and the time the so called to was retaliate People’s Czechoslovak – Union Democratic of the governmentministers from the junior coalition member, and the Christian which during to he received Prague, was Lama by a government since 2013.already themanifested lateby was This 2016 a as strength in gained expectations. economic unfulfilled to due even and its representativescoalition partner significantly less became enthusiastic its previous Democrats were the political Social support, as relegated into a evenand here FDI faced a countries. –simplytries seems notin comparison attractive, to be that to Western European

demonstration of ‘sticks’. Theunder Chinese Embassy the Ambassador new Zhang In the governmentIn formed 2017 in China did notChina hesitate concrete to take Czech actions to the ‘misbehaving’ punish China has reacted harshly to the changing environment reacted to harshly the has changing on theChina Czech side, with 25 Chinese investments have continued flowing mostly to Western Europe

due to the inclusion of a requests for were meetings protracted met responses with he and

public warning on ZTE and Huawei and public on ZTE by the National warning Authority

counterweight policy to promoted the China by the previous

downturn duedownturn capital controls to stricter recent in years.

low-level ministry official. ministry low-level

trade officetrade in“bullying, Guangzhou, referring to Republic present was of well. China as

territorial integrity.

and ledand by missed party, the ANO has China 27

Party (KDU-ČSL). Party ChineseThe threatside Issues of Taiwan rights, human Tibet and One-China policy article, China decided policy China One-China article, 30

new topic Czech-China in relations

group of including politicians 28 Nevertheless, China still Nevertheless, still China 34 Czech diplomats have have diplomats Czech 29

Finally, security Finally, visit of the Dalai ofvisit the Dalai 32 31

Zhang Zhang These These junior junior 33 The The 26 - - - - 19

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 20 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence economic cooperation Taiwan” with mentioned. cultural and also was form of pressure condemn and of reprisals”. threats The“develop to determination of bilateral economic relations. Moreover, the it representatives that said “refuseany countries shouldtwo beneficial” be “mutually discontent andstressed the with results of‘declaration four’ 2016. signed in Thestatement voicedthetiesthe that between former policy. actively pro-China strongest reaction to China’s its threats. the be Chinese replaced Ambassador Zhang the apologize Embassy that and for Vondrá President PM Babiš, Zeman, Senate President Vystr a 2020, 11, March Vystr actors. domestic from assistance strong with apparently relations”, economic and political Czech-Taiwanese Informationthe Czech(BIS), Security Service which noted China’s President order in the visit. to stall the letter that requestedwas from the Chinese theEmbassy Officeby of the Czech high-levelfreeze in after been had contacts the case 2009. as later was It found out evaluation the may bringanother visit of that the situation including the warning been handed to Kubera by the Office of the Czech President own together itswith Petrof. Curiously,Group Klavíry piano and manufacturer the letter haveseems to Škoda Auto,Taiwan, carmaker provider explicitly listing retail-banking Home Credit ened repercussions for Czech companies Kubera if proceeded to plans visit his with diplomatic the standard not with line was in practice. Most importantly, it threat letterfrom the Chinese Embassy. The Czech revealedmedia that shortly before his death Kubera received a KuberaAs suddenly 2020, away passed January in for the plans the visit were halted. who the would visit that CzechMiloš Zeman, warned economic damage interests. China’s by notdecades. the was visit communicated the pressure Once against publicly again, represented the highest-profilevisit of a the headas of a roslav Kubera, the late President of the Czech a Senate, planning was approach,its harsh Beijing only chose to increase its use of late In 2019, threats. Ja However, Beijing not has (yet) moved direction. this in commentators, Czech over, the possibilitydiscussed by also that wouldChina limit tourism to was Czechia profitability, as serves one examples of theprime carrots of offeredChina. by More 2017. nce si cancel the unprofitable connectiontheas number of passengershad been decreasing likelytroubled resulted Airlines from approval the financially getting to Hainan and Beijing flight connectionPrague direct scrapped. was between punishments” and threats from the Chinese side. Despite a facing The backfired. eventually use The sticks by Senate newChina of President Miloš č il expressed his intention his expressed il to proceed to the visit Taiwan with anyway. On č ek – was held.ek –was At Vystr the meeting, 37

43 representatives Czechia in or by directly Beijing, but by the President Theintroduction theflightof connection, despite initial doubts overits However, thefar statementthe the so signified issued after meeting

delegation scheduled for February 2020. The delegation wouldhave

meeting ofmeeting the four representatives highest constitutionally –

significant backlash from backlash significant against Czech society and politicians 42 38 based on similar precedents on based similar from South Korea Taiwan. and

use at and a of least threats 40 44 The letter was written The ina was letter 41 It thus stood in direct contrast to It contrast the previous direct thus stood in The the assertions with of revelations line arein

Czech politician to the self-ruling island in č il was outvoted was il on proposal his that 35 č Starting from 2020, March Starting the il, Chamber of Chamber il, Deputies Speaker

verbal repositioning of the

form and language that that form language and

36 “efforts to disrupt disrupt to “efforts This move most most move This

visit tovisit Taiwan

threatening 39 - - -

of Interior Hamá respirators on 20, March 2020, welcomed was by PM Babiš, at the airport Minister several medical planes few every supplieswith with airplane days. Thefirst arriving Czechia on in arrived February 18, 2020. with bridge” “air An created was afterwards, to have intervened the matter. in for him the Embassy’s thanked and Zhang To Prague. in up clear the apparent Babiš Ambassador misunderstanding, met with of the Czech themade assistance the and office with National Bank BankChina of of Democrats, Hamá Jan Social given of of the was purchases toto Interior the Minister manage the and Chairman interlocutors of Chamber of the Czech Collaboration China led by Tvrdík. the Czech government rushed to the purchase supplies from China. the biggestsupplier was etc.the China As alreadyand past worst theof outbreak, a to morebers 2,000 rising than place. take not would on set he going was and mind later his even changed when the summit clear it was he that would claimed notinitially attend because thelackof investments,of Chinese to attendtheZeman 17+1 President of intention the communicate and letter donation the present personally Chunhua. Jaroslav Tvrdík where visited the Chinese met China, vice-PM with Mynář Hu political entrepreneur, lobbyist member and of the of Board Europe CITIC Holdings Czech President Vratislav Mynář, together Zeman’s with spillover of the epidemic to Europe. did not fit the on eventually donatedwas plane back after the to by China Czechia were not bought Czechia but in other in countries. EU regions well cities universities. and as as Due to the lack of supplies at they the time, the second batch were donated by Czech companies including and Škoda, PFF Czech when the epidemic its apex. already had passed situationChina in 5 planeArmy carrying and on February Austria through 13, 2020. loaded Another time batch, this on a used toCZK buy medical supplies for China. 6 the Czech public Babiš promising mind, his changed 10 suppliesical be needed will at home. despiteChina, official requests made Chinese by the ambassador,that med saying to the sudden outbreak of coronavirus. Initially, PM Babiš refused to provide help to on television the “Chinese us”. that scammed to claim the ofpayment did Health notfor finalize thesupplies Ministry and PM Babiš went the matter. in to assist ofInitially, Shanghai hiccups were encounteredthe because

situation of of lack medical supplies respirators, masks, such as protective garments, million CZK was donated was CZK million to the World 3 and (WHO) Organization Health The Czech government haveseems to reachedsuppliers through Chinese mainly case of COVID-19 the first 1, March On a Just The apparentfreefall of Czech-China halted relationsoutwas of necessity due

49 few days before the second donation delivered, was the Chancellor of the According to the Office of the President, thereason visit was to for the č ek Chinese and ambassador Ambassador Thethat Zhang. stressed 50

summit in Beijing in to be heldsummit was that Zeman April. in While č

ek, whoek, even sent a tons of supplies only was sent on to 1, March China

by the end of the month. The foundcountry in itself 53 The first plane from China with rapid Thewith firstkits plane from China testing 45 After the After negative reaction by a

involvement. President said also is Zeman

46 was diagnosed in Czechia, with num with Czechia, in diagnosed was The first Thefirst dispatchedbatch was of aid

personal letter to the Party Secretary Secretary letterpersonal the to Party 52 Eventually, the payment was 48

advisor Martin Nejedlý and advisor Martin

Some 4 Some million CZK of CZK million aid. About

tons of that cargo 47 Thesupplies in

portion of of portion 51 The task The

million

Czech Czech - - 21

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 22 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence President established had would China in Zeman provethein useful ongoingcrisis. lauded of the contacts the the that assistance Chinese that Embassy andstressed before he said had would not he replaced, if Chinese Ambassador was miss Zhang helped had that Czechia to fightthe epidemic. to Serbian –similarly presidentZeman Vu visithis also the matterto in to Beijing.February In a produce supplies specifically for Czechia. President’s for the friendly policy towards Beijing they been had advocating that for years. The would “help to of the best its capabilities”. the epidemic the fightCzechia earlierand had that China in against supported China ipants from 20 from ipants February in policy 2019 organized ethnic ofparticipation KSČMthe Deputy at Conference Chairman VáclavOrt on Chinese onregularly propaganda tours, including the (so underreported) far example of the es of political environment. Members visit of China the Czech Party Communist despite supportermost the country of in steadfast relations China the chang with (KSČM), where inter-partytheas ties backto far as 1990s.the KSČMgo been has andof (CCP) beenCzechia Party Moravia the Communist Czechia has in China and inducements. Not of surprisingly, Party Chinese Communist partner the traditional elites,litical facilitated by invitations for high-profile and to China visits treatment as which a garnered However, Czechia decided to Taiwan cooperate with on also anti-epidemic efforts, government’s Chinese the and countries used ic.was by Chinese as evidence Thepropaganda call helpingof China the CEE on by 13, March China organized 2020, to share its experiencethe of epidem fighting authorities of countries both were contact in the 17+1 during only is of corroboratedat the time writing, by the statements of Czech politicians. preferential of treatment terms in supplying not is medical material yet and, clear sometimes material, even at better sary prices. unduly preferred Chinese suppliers over companies local able to provide the neces government. the memberthe assist epidemic, fighting in states ignoredwas or downplayed theby thesupplies, airlift of theor EU, announcedwhich large-scale to measures budgetary the contrary, the role of other actors NATO, such as which provided for airplane an provided the outbreak during to China of coronavirus) but regularly purchased. To the supplies as towards China, fromwere China not donated (as opposed to Czech aid OF CHINESE INFLUENCE LET’S Pro-China politicians presented politicians Pro-China vindication successfulas from purchases China Czechia was also included also Czechia was China’s in However, representatives of the Czech government were for criticized gratitude One of the anchors of China’s

PARTY: RELATIONS INTER-PARTY AS A

advisor Mynář claimed that China has ordered has China that one claimed advisor production Mynář facility to 58 Moreover, suspicion to whether as arisen the government has not has

countries learned how minorities to multiethnic “manage” in ethnic

predictable rebuke from the Chinese ambassador. Chinese the from rebuke predictable

presence been its po Czechia contacts has in with

55 propaganda blitz on COVID-19. The medical

He attributed China’s

č 54 competence the outbreak. managing in in Xinjiang. Atin the conference, 50 ić – said that China was the only was country ić China that –said 59 Whether Beijing Whether gave really Czechia 56 PM Babiš, who only a

MAINSTAY MAINSTAY

televised address, President

videoconference call call videoconference

willingness to assist willingness 61

few weeks

partic 60 57 - - - - -

main theme ofmain the meeting. international relations,the specifically “community ofwhichsharedwas the destiny” Beijingin 2017, in designed to CCP’s boost were presentKSČM also parties at the High-Level World Political Dialogue Parties Democrats (ČSSD)cial Civic and Democrats (ODS) at one least of them. ČSSD and 2016 in inter-partyhave summits been heldunder the theandILD by platform organized offer of cooperation by as CCP well. Democracy (SPD),Direct a ANO, with lations a Friendship Group at the European Parliament, often quotedin Chineseas media 2019. in emergedand to defend the public in China debate of relations the downfall during government 2010–2013, in been involved has China-related in lobbying activities Democrats.Social Petr Ne politicians. former his tenure, the finishing with concerteddemonstrating contacts maintain efforts to the Czechin discourse. Former invited Beijing in also to PM ILD Sobotka was after politics. current the invitations forregular high-profile eventsdespitein China, lack his influence of over Enlargement). for Commissioner ter of Defense), Kohout Jan (ex-Minister of Foreignand Affairs) Štefan Füle (ex-EU –most visible the country in among China them Jaroslavwith Tvrdík (ex-Minis politicians-turned lobbyists have played outsized role an the promotion in of ties politician. attention Worthythat the is fact former Democratic of Social particular relationsna together President a with himself Zeman, Indeed, Democratsof led Social theCzech-Chi the government ‘restart’ finalized that conducted close contacts focused “through and communication”. and exchanges as a focus of Czech CCP Democratic outreach Social Party towards Czech society, 2013 known. not is which of content the and a signing in Beijing. of China Party Committee of (ILD) the the Central of Department Communist Liaison ternational andinvited ČSSDits relations the party leader with Paroubek for a well. the Czech Democratic Social Party (ČSSD) whosetieswith CCPhave as deep roots shape the policy of Czech governments been limited. has spreading in Chinese propaganda,aiding Czech Communists’ ability to proactively fromstates the Party’s Chinese Communist

representative of stance. the EU The role of ČSSDin reorientingthe country’s Therefore,the more consequential proponent policies of pro-China been has However, have to China not been to limited links the Czech and Communists Another impetus for inter-party contacts came with the 17+1 the with came contacts inter-party for impetus Another

63 was commendedwas by the vice-minister of Zhou the ILD Li, who referred to the When ČSSD found opposition itself in 2006, in CCP made to sure continue

70 and 2017.and attended Czechand (KSČM) the Communists So both meetings

Jan Zahradil, another representative Zahradil, Jan of ODS, a is memorandum of cooperation, which only was reported Chinese media in 69 72 68 although ANO has denied although has ANO developing contacts. Paroubek regularly communicates also China-positive messages č 64 as, the PMas, of the right-wing Civic Democratic(ODS) Party

right extremist party, was apparently an right extremist contactedwith In 2012, the two parties “institutionalized” their ties by their “institutionalized” 2012, In parties the two 75 67 Former Democratic Social gets PM Paroubek still 71 Recently, sought the also CCP to has build re 74 65

legitimacy as well Chinese designs for as as legitimacy

organizers.

foreign policy after towards China 62

former Social Democratic Democratic former Social Nevertheless, from apart

chair of the EU-China chair

73 cooperation as as cooperation visit tovisit the In Freedom and and Freedom 66 - - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 24 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence with China. with where politicians have local been enthusiastic about exploring economic cooperation the cooperation mostin cases seems to have been at of the initiative the Czech regions, expansion. overseas planned its for project a Region. cooperation, Pasohlávky resortthe in in theSouth such planned thermal as Moravia cooperation broughtLocal has about some of projects the largest Czech-China in CEEto countries establish with to give partnerships substance to 17+1 government. attendedgiventheimportance agenda stressing by this PM Sobotka, theto by Czech 3rd Leaders’ held Tangshan, in China-CEEC Meeting Local 2016 China, in Association, the of idents nors. Miroslav Novák, the head of Moravia-Silesia region, one became of the co-pres the establishment in resulting of the China-CEEC Association of Gover Provincial cooperationlocal one became of of the focus Czechia areas under the 17+1 ongoing were the countries that between the 2009–2012 during still evenChina sooner, of visits and Czech regional leaders were one of the few contacts 2012. in 12 counterparts, Chinese amongpartnerships Czech regions cities largest (regional their and seats) their with of cooperation the 17+1 part within important an also avenues of China’s other in Europeanby countries. China wideestablishing networks of influence.hasechoed a This former also and current leaders, stay providingtorelevant, thus opportunity them an to would buildseeking ties that respective governments. outlast targeted has China Beijing given outsized role has diplomacy an with Czechia, toin party its dealings organization. ILD an Center, Contact Economic China the by 2017 the tsar”, the Chinese “Propaganda nicknamed of the government. was, for This example, the thecase of attendance of Liu Yunshan, as opposedwere to theapparatchiks representatives Communist of after Party ‘restart’ Province.in The cooperation2014,started theinitiative on theforof Secretariat thetimethe change at was policyleading of that towards China. the party ciation of Czech regions at were the time, (again) from Democratic the Social Party, relationsopening Chinese regions, with including the head Hašek, of Michal Asso UNDER THE RADAR: THE DISCREET CHARM OF CHINESE PARADIPLOMACY CHINESE OF CHARM RADAR: DISCREET THE THE UNDER

partner of South Moraviapartner region since 2016, a with Interestingly, several high-profilevisits of Chinese representatives the to country In August 2014, August In the Leaders’ 2nd held was China-CEEC Local Meeting Prague, in Paradiplomacy, relations on the sub-national level, become has one of the chief An interesting case of cooperation case interesting local An of that is Olomouc Region Fujian and theOn Chinese side, provinces have been incentivized by government the central 82 79

China InvestmentChina Forum held The co-organized was Prague. in forum itself The companyinvolved thein project was approached theby Hebei province, However, the Czech regions interest exploring gained in cooperation with 84 It should be noted also most of that the regional leaders advocating for

ties with Czechia after the warming of theandrelationsbilateral warming Czechia after ties with

81 have been concluded since the inception of the 17+1 the functioning the functioning largely of unknown. The which remains 78 76 83 who lacked any formal government role, at However, shown as by previous research,

recommendation to choose the the choose to recommendation

format. Outof the 18

similar strategy employed employed strategy similar 77 It thus that appears

freeze. Moreover, Moreover, freeze.

cooperation. cooperation.

format.

was also also was existing

format format 80 - - - with the Taiwanesewith President the and head of Parliament the Tibetan exile. in made a also deeming it inappropriate a and coalition led byruling Mayor Zdeněk out set Hřib to alter the sister cityagreement, alone. side Czech authors, however, included clause was the One-China that proactively claim by the on remained, based the acknowledgement of policy One-China by Czechia. Some was leftTheMES agreement,out of the while reference to asa Taiwan a policy. The Chinese side evenallegedlytried to “smuggle” into agreementsister the city government’s Chinese the for support acknowledged Prague which in ticle of Jinping the 2016. visit March during in Xi to Prague Theagreement included ar an be controversial connection in the Prague-Beijing with sister cityagreement, signed cooperationlocal political and cover being hijacked for personal business interests. support. official its withdrawing considering ment for personal business interests of govern the local the Chinese with businessman, office did notanybring concrete to results the Olomouc Region,instead used being head of the Czech Fujian Association. However, out the representative it that turned a Olomouc Region opened was the Fuzhou. in of takenrunning office The was up by Cooperation CEE countries. between The same year, a building a of a arrival other benefits, a secure helpPrague a was the municipal coalition Prague, government in the agreementthen ruling that argued response to of the criticism the Prague-Beijing sister cityagreement thedirected to needthat to be accounted for. political of undertonesthe case sub-national always carry relations, China ties with interference China’s in 2020, government the Shanghai announced it would over sever Prague its ties with the affected and relationsbilateral overall. discriminatory ofof tours musical China in ensembles the city,with affiliated before the break-upcancellations suchas Prague, targetedSome directly finalized. was nation of the agreement itself. China’s 2019. cityagreement, council the Prague voted to revoketheagreement earlyin October securing the animal. the securing the municipalityandthedirectorzoo theof Prague of not being active enoughin President for Zeman notboth accused Zeman while officially animal, asking for the Mayor leased to Czechia. ThePrague andthe zoo directorthe Prague blamed of Czech

well-connected James Chinese businessman Wu, who, since 2019, been the also has clause in which Prague recognizes the Market recognizes whichclause in Economy Prague of (MES) China. Status Linked toLinked the sister cityagreementanother was turned up whichsour.‘carrot’ In agreementitspartnership new finalized with TaipeiPrague inJanuary After BeijingAfter did not Prague’s react to Nevertheless,the after 2018 Despite of the unpolitical seemingly cooperation, local nature proved it has to 90

precondition for economic cooperation Beijing, with it that and would, among Before it could formally do so, Beijing city governmentannounced the termi

pavilion worth 200 worth pavilion

panda was presented was panda a as

series of moves on issues sensitive seen as meeting such as by China, 87 94 One of the representatives of the municipality government

“domestic affairs”. “domestic

million CZK. However, CZK. million not the was end the panda in

symbol of subservience to China.

elections to the Prague cityelections togovernment, the Prague the new

highly covetedhighly for panda zoo. the Prague

done deal and the Prague zoo ran a done ran zoo the and deal Prague

‘sticks’ were applied even domains various in 92

The episode that evendemonstrated in demands to renegotiate the partnership 85 This thus seems to be a This

representative office of the 91 but most were not 88 Moreover, Hřib Hřib Moreover,

part of China of China part

One-China One-China

tender for for tender

case ofcase 93 89 The The 86 - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 26 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence administered by the Embassy.administered 90 programs, various in studying China in from 2018, Prague the Chinese in Embassy there were around 400 by Confuciusuniversities, Institutes, provinces,etc. According informationto from 17+1 or scholarships a on scholarships from grownlevels.have significantly. also in China Thefor studying opportunities Apart cent place years takes and at university both faculty,as as well and centerinstitute muchyet raised attentionamong watching community.the China opened at VSB –Technical Universityin 2018.of Ostrava prestige it sought. apparently had originally dation for academic its further influence, was but denied higherthe level ofacademic ministration in 2018. a a Olomouc, in public universities followed. A ed to establish a havetutelage open been met skepticism with opposition. and attempt When China (CIs).Institutes attempts Czechia, In under Chinese to establishdirect institutions Chinese regions. Thecity Kaifeng of donated 20,000 Hebei situationlocal in gone had better. supplies did not that fit theon plane were eventually re-donatedthe as back by China of 2020. March aid Thecoordinatedwas theAssociationby of Czech Regions. The of the second part as batch of aid dispatched from at Czechia the beginning to China Vyso At five least Czech regions(Pardubice, Olomouc, SouthKarlovy Moravia, and Vary a been sister cityagreement, thediscontinuation the of seems havepanda sensitiveon to talks governmentthe new Prague the coalition its uneasiness already with had signaled espionage us”. against the lease of a he that didtweeted not see “why [Czechia should] 20 pay China China. Apart from the long-established Apart China. at program the study Beijing Foreign Affairs opportunities elsewhereopportunities and/or the negative perception the country. in of China decreased. nese actually has fromthe spur a DIPLOMACY WITH PRC PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE OF PEOPLE? THE WE CHALLENGES

CI in Prague resulted one in Prague CI in at opening the private University andof Finance Ad The COVID-19 The Academic cooperation Czech with universities evolved has in re significantly The situationis clear less when it comes Confuciusto Classrooms. first The one One of the examples of Chinese ‘carrots’ to Czechia the presence is of Confucius Perhaps even China’s is more intriguing č ina) one and (Třebí city

rather preemptive move from the Chinese side in anticipation of the problems. the of anticipation in side Chinese the from move preemptive rather

panda” and that “China will most likely use this money most likely use this will for panda” “China that and industrial

city in thecityin region of in Moravia 2007.

political level, the interest of Czech Chi students towards studying

CI at Charles University,the Prague-basedoffer wasOther refused.

crisis presentedcrisis another of case activation of sub-national relations.

scholarships. Moreover, scholarships special there also are offered 99 95

In the succeeded end, In down China a laying in bilateral level, apply also Czech students can for Window EU Given debate the hyped during that the fact over the panda 102 č ) donated medical supplies China in to partners their This can studybe attributed can other to inthe increase This 101

CI was eventually established eventually UniversityCI was at Palacký Interestingly, despite and opportunities the many 96 In mid-April In 2020, reciprocated aid was by

promotion in study of Czech language of which were there on a 98

Repeated attempts to establish masks to the citymasks of Náchod. 100 Theclassroomshave not

million a

Czech students

possible foun

scholarship

year for 97 - - - - - narratives in Czechia deserve special attention. Czechia deserve in an special attemptnarratives In discourse the change to supplies provided by the embassy. tion (including order in China) in on families to their access the medical equipment branchlocal of CSSA, which allegedly required students to submit personal informa relationIn to the Chinese students, outsourced the embassy to these the activities the Czechthat not is state able to provide or willing these to the Chinese diaspora). a in care and support its showing gloves, and allegedly offered in the accessdiaspora Czechia sanitizers Chinese hand masks, to CSSAthe local its and relations The to embassy Prague. the Chinese in Embassy ( Country” tivities. One example a is CSSA a has journalists. flown under watching community mostly thetheand radar of China both Czech Czechia too. in allegedlythe embassy exist Closed WeChat together groups bringing students including and representatives of holds debriefs regular Chinese both researchers. students incoming and with visiting (and opinions studies) their while they express Czechia. pursuing in monitors Prague the Chinese in Embassy that the fact Chinese students’ activities additional an sourceas of income. Until recently, the universities were not of aware and education higher of internationalization the of component unproblematic an as Despite numbers, the growing largely Chinese students are seen by Czech universities Russia) Czech agreements number highest public with of institutional universities. comparison increasehighest in the second to has other also countries. (after China the increase over fiveastonishing – been the last reaching has 267%,theyears far by dents who were later invited under to China the Bridge for program. the Future on the Belt Road and at Initiative the public university,and selected prospectivestu billed the Chinese for Embassy the conferences co-organizing a teaching and development other and issues. The theresearchersuniversitywith associated secretly government’s Chinese present posed) conferencesannual to (and uncritically enabling Chinese largely participants unop Czechtigious university,the situation.changed research center established at Charles University,thethe most oldestpresandstill cooperationwith the Chinese side. with However, the example of the Czech-China requirements the real with of the job market questionable. is offered the by government. central However, commensurate is actually whetherthis sities have been the courses opening advantage to take of the economic incentives It Chinese be safely univer that assumed can expertise. language and regional skills the Belt and Roadwithin Initiative andChina-CEE cooperation students with to train at more tenstudied universities. than up recentsprung in around China years. Hence, now can bethe Czech language University,andmany otherstudycourses haveprograms the on language Czech In the domainIn of people-to-people relations, Chinese attempts influenceto media COVID-19 The the number relativelyWhile of Czechia Chinese still modest, is students in The activities Thethe of Chinese activities andStudents ScholarsAssociation (CSSA)have Until recently Czech universities seemed rather oblivious associated to any risks 我和我的祖国

epidemic, however, shed more on light the functioning also of

). branch but Czechia, in little very is available about ac its

110 screening of the patriotic propaganda movie “Me My and 111 103

standpoints on security,the Chinese model of This growth is connectedwiderthegrowth to efforts This 109

time of crisis (and oftime implying crisis indirectly 104 The center’s The

activities included included activities 108 The embassy The embassy

course course 105 106 107 ------

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 28 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence following the trend of other Chinese embassies around the world. all channels Both reach a book page 2015 in a agement of the COVID-19 China’s cooperation, economic Czech-Chinese example for on focus regularly, a about but defend also China, official stances foreign China. policy of Post.ington publishedarticles The here mostly spreadingfocus on “positive energy” Watch” “China the similar content present Western in the Wash media in such as party-run newspapers. tent-sharing 2017, in Daily agreement Guangming with one of the chief communist 2005 hosted by Wen signed articles Jiabao Jinping Xi and on the occasion of in visits their the supplement that believing by the media. reporting the usual was were and China signedwards by the daily’s a as supplement to nationwide the local Právo. daily The was sectionobscurely labeled ment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the Chinese produced embassy eight-page an of the establish connection in Czechia, the 70th anniversary In with tactics. ing analysis. media outlets, publicly both well privately as as owned, which were included the in Roadand a with initiative President who Zeman, backed China’s Barrandov.TV The network,already famous forthe with interviewsweekly Czech the tone but its changed, China-related also the case in of focus shifted – especially completelypeared from the media discourse of outlets). these two only a in however,on China; from the day on of China the acquisition, reporting they started acquisition the media produced a Týden) the and Barrandov magazine significantly. changed outlets (TV Beforethe the Czechin company Empresa the tone Media, by of media its two the reporting uncovered 2015, in that when the allegedly private Chinese company CEFC invested puts published from 2010 widely read news server. behind the scenes; the piece published was listy, Parlamentní in an ‘alternative’, yet of op-edwrote the Hong critical an Kong protests mentioning and foreign influence on the Hong Kong the Chinese protests, Ambassador Jianmin, to Zhang Czechia, a diplomacy” Czechia and elsewherein Europe. in The with Chineseprime media government’s the of story” nese have active throughout been especially the COVID-19

media outlet of accused the past spreading in disinformation. trend that has accelerated has trend that 2019–2020. in The Chinese establishedEmbassy its Face presence has Radio International that (CRI) Czechia the media on China is in social

China has also slowly also has China built up a avenueAnother traditional to is publish ambassador’s evenAn more noviny, of that is Literární salient case which concluded a a If “theme and commercial and “theme supplement”. articles Thewere exclusively positive to

and 2016 and

wider audience. February In 2020, opened also the Embassy a direct acquisitiondirect not is possible, employed Czechia has in China content-shar

positive manner (both negative as well as neutral reports on China disap negativeonpositive reports China (both well neutral as as manner

respectively.

and sinceand then have placed advertisements order in to its posts to 115 The contenttitledand is is China+ reminiscent Reading of 112

to mid-2017 to

frequency comparison in unparalleled to 40 epidemic, China’s epidemic, Discourse analysis on Discourse a analysis

handling of the epidemichandling laterand on China’s

mixture of positive, negative,mixture reports neutral and

presence media on platforms Czechia, social in

in Czechia, done Czechia, in by the MapInfluenCE project,

narratives, now started to cover nownarratives, started China’s

reporters, misleading easily readers into

view on the Hong Kong protests, etc.

large-scale sample of media out

epidemic presenting in the “Chi

op-eds in Parlamentní listy, Parlamentní op-eds in 116 The op-eds, published

113 Twitter account, Not only has 114

other Czech Právo also Právo also

“mask “mask

man

con Belt Belt ------traction especially in winter sports in the run-up in winter sports in to the Beijing especially traction Winter Olympics in Czechin politics. group unspecified an of with youngpeople China in 2019 ofthe case the of visit the head of 2011-affiliated ANO think-thank,Prát, Šárka to to be forthcoming towards be China”. willing will regard favor, it with or morethey that specifically feeland ‘owe something’ China According to establishes BIS, “thus a China them for inviting and all-expenses-paid various to trips China. administration state personsincreasingly selecting of interest fromandthe bodies academia, security Beijing’s to company, a local driven most likely by its business own interests rather than the defense case, this In of China’s response to Mayor Hřib’s Chamber of Deputies briefed and the opposition representatives on their Prague in theThrough agency,PR Home supportedCredit also a SinoskopZeman. presented has a itself as a the setting-up in assisted andfunctioning ofa revealed the Home that Credit company this move. financed further The PR agency the debate ofgoal ‘rationalizing about the country. China’ in December In 2019, it was ident A himself. Zeman been effectively communicatedthrough indirectly proxies, amongchief them,Pres toand the public been rather limited. Messages has China’s backing established was media, 2019. in of Chinese language newspaper. The branch local of European Times ( outlet of the Chinese Embassy, although there mentioned affiliation no is direct in the related to community, the local the as a also newspaperseems to serve heads newspaper. the diaspora from coverage Apart broadly that touches upon issues 报 pora Czechia associations issue in a observed Czechia so in far. a country), the in diplomacy tocustomization the audience. Unlike Poland in (see the chapter on people-to-people media accounts consists of media state stories into Czech translated (so with far) little the epidemicdiscussing situation China. in 500 uses paid promotion the for COVID-19 During its posts. 90,000than operates four in bigger times Poland RadioMiędzynarodowe), (Chińskie had less of them apparently accounts. fake comparison, In Radio International which China a had CRI also shot also CRI “personalized” videos a with

long-time Chinese interpreter for the Czech presidents, including for President President for including presidents, Czech the for interpreter Chinese long-time ), established 2010. in

Local Chinese present media are Local well. Czechia as in A China and Czechia have also cooperated in sports, with the cooperation gaining the Czechia and cooperation have cooperated with China also sports, gaining in impact of the Chinese direct efforts spreadOverall, to the in its messages media The Czech Security Information Service (BIS) has warned that China has been TheInformation China that Czech warned Security (BIS) Service has CZK (20 CZK

Facebook page since 2013. The page has more850,000 than

directives.

followers 2020. March in The Czech versionwidely also thepage of CRI

EUR) toEUR) Czech students for shooting supportive messages for China. 121 118

peculiar case is that of the hiring of of a that is the hiring case peculiar

A decision to revoke the sister cityagreement with Beijing.

cooperation media influencers social with has not been powerful local figure Zhou Lingjian, mentioned below, mentioned Lingjian, Zhou figure local powerful

image in the country was effectively was the country in image outsourced

newspaper Chinese Times the ( Prague

“moderate” voice the country. in on China

117 contact network of individuals, who will will who individuals, of network contact

Czech-speaking Chinese commentator commentator Chinese Czech-speaking However, most of the content of social

think-tank Sinoskop, led by Vít Vojta, 欧洲时报 120 119 One example among is many conference the in on China

epidemic, offering was CRI

), a ),

number dias of Chinese that caused controversythat

Europe-wide network

followers, with most most with followers, PR the agency with

narrative have have narrative

semi-official 布拉格时 - - 29

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 30 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence Zhou’s tion a and Czechia, in Associa imported by the head Zhou of beenhad Lingjian, initially the Qingtian A compatriots. Chinese fiscated were a for inflated price. an However, soonwas it revealedthat some theof packages con belonged to a 680,000 COVID-19 of Interiorof of the Ministry the Czech Republic. tives allegedly demanded numbers also passport of the asylum seekers from officers their the Chinese after Embassy identitywas revealed. some of the asylum seekers lost of jobs their on Chinese the impetus restaurants in who appliedof Chinese Christians, for 2016. in asylum the country in reportedly mobilized also has a ChineseEmbassy the local community harass to demonstrators who were flags of andwaving TibetEast Turkestan. At the welcoming, a established an of to officials. visit practice visits Prague, high during ping his during controversy.stirred 2016, In a the Chinese organized Embassy Kong protests 2019. in government’s Chinese the supporting Front Work founded was Department, 2004. in It published regularly has statements motion of Peaceful National directly Reunification, subordinated to the CCPUnited globally. the Chinesein diaspora The Czech Council branch the of China forthePro the country,in several of CCP-affiliated with them mirroring present organizations globally. abroad work Front United proach been has connected towardsthe Czechia.increased This to prominence of around 7,000 government’s the and companies the Jágr-owned ice Kladno hockey the interlocking team, engagement of Chinese Jágr’s with Coupled promote Chinese soccer investor by CEFC, the original the soccer Slavia in club. ambassador an became of the 2016. Chinese Super in League cer, the cooperation been spearheaded has by former Pavel soccer star Nedvěd, who 2019 hockey player ambassador Jaromír who Jágr an of named China’s was a Hockey as League 2019,In Chinese hockey Golden China team Dragon entered the 2nd National Czech some2022. to enlist of managed the most famous China Czech its efforts. athletes in by the Chinese the and Czech Embassy government even about was warned it by other way, a from just Czechia to China, Zhou a who organized also price wanted and to send the rest to Italy. However, suspicions it as remained was Although there only is a The local Chinese diaspora became a became Thediaspora Chinese local the several use ofIn cases, to achieve the Chinese diaspora has political goals

during a during

account, he sold a sold he account,

face masks in the town of in face masks Lovosice. Thethe given masks that reason was

epidemic. 17, March On 2020, the Czech government confiscated some 126

local company that was trying to sell them to the Ministry of Health to them sell to the Ministry companylocal trying was that visit to China as a member as tovisit China of President Zeman’s

, it has also figured more figured also , it has prominentlyin recentin China’s years part of aid from the Qingtian Red Cross of Society, aid from the Qingtian part destined for Italian

small numbersmall of Chinese supporters got intowith conflict Czech promotion Huawei, with deal competing The team. project been has led theby famous Czech 128

powerful figure in Chinese in the powerful community.figure

report in the Czechreport in media

bigger part thethe biggermasks to of company local part for a

large-scale to of purchase be sent medical materials the relatively small Chinese diaspora in Czechia numbering numbering Czechia in diaspora Chinese relatively small

efforts is worthy of attention. of worthy is efforts 127 Thereis a

stances, such as the condemnation of the Hong Hong the of condemnation the as such stances,

month before. The efforts were supported

focal point of attention during the the during attention of point focal

patchwork of Chinese organizations organizations Chinese of patchwork 132 125 133 which sponsorship ensured for pointed the masks out all that 131 The embassy’s 123

welcoming for Jin Xi

Nedvěd paid to was entourage. 134 129 130 According to to According

ice hockey in The Chinese For example, For example,

representa 122

In soc In regular

group group

ap 124 ------

doubted Zhou Lingjian’s the Czech intelligence at the service time. to the auditors of state the real CEFC’s overto the rescue, CEFC’s taking his company turned outafter to be a yet 2018, in Ye a in its chairman China in disappeared city center, Prague in etc. said have to CEFCwas invested 38 Lobkowicz Group (brewery), (metallurgy), soccer Žďas Slavia club, hotels buildings and any critique of the country. the givenillustrates how media.Thecase effectively Chinese investment eliminates orneutral negative coverage effectively of China fromdisappeared the discourse of only referring a to in China itsMedia, media outlets started of MapInfluenCEanalysis revealed,after CEFC’s lets whose bias for President notorious. was Zeman the previous As media discourse a Media, economic 2015. in courtship Besides other companies, CEFC invested Empresa in advisor to President at the height Zeman of the surge of Czech-Chinese political and of Chinese investment Ye abroad. honorary an named Its was chairman Jianming eration the Czechia, company in considered was one of vehicles the most important represents interesting example an of Huawei’s produced the citedwas that analysis was cooperation in Huawei with itself. Thecase however, to mention failed what and later reported was by investigative journalists shared by was the Czech the Chinese in Embassy Republic.article the article, What CZK lion according analysis an to citing which article Czechia wouldan pay additional 38 “lack evidence”.theallegations and “solidarity”claiming his Presidentfrom services, the security has kept defendingZeman Huawei,expressing a 5G networksbuilding Czechia. Huawei in donated one hundred phonescell worth rather scarce. Theis examplerespect this Huaweiprime in whichinterestedis in Association. the fees to join the Qingtian reportedly offering50 the supplies that livered were speculating and resold Czechia. in the most negative perception public in of China out that noting of the four Visegrád countries, consistently Czechia has exhibited economic an as China praised alternative to Western investors. It is, however, worth models brought and ridicule upon political elites, including President who Zeman, a DEATH A OF

profound impact on Czech public perception of Chinese investments business and million Czechmillion to crowns the Office of the President in 2014. CEFC also investedCEFC also Travel in Service It noteworthy, is the COVID-19 during that Documented of cases Chinese ‘carrots’ ‘sticks’ the and business in are domain CEFC Group (Europe) Company provides another example. of the time In its op

company which Barrandov, co-owned TV 140 if Huawei if excluded was from 5G network building the country. in

SALESMAN: THE PROMISE EMPTY OF CHINESE INVESTMENT

masks formasks each Chinese local family, provided they pay that

story, of not the donated all suspecting supplies were de

debts and assets and running an audit, an revealing debts running and assets and

Ponzi scheme. Chinese state-owned came CITIC

modus operandi in Czechia. The affair had modusaffair Czechia. The in operandi 143 137 135 , a Some the Chinese community in have

company which Czech owns Airlines, attempts influenceto publicdiscourse.

epidemic, Czech server Info.cz carried 145

acquisition Empresa of in its stake 142 as well as in media discourse well in as as one of the alternative media out

corruption probe and soon soon and probe corruption

billion Czechia, in CZK 139

positive manner. All 138 Despite warnings Despite warnings 136 Zhou was also Zhou also was 141 The The 146

bil 144 . - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 32 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence the Czech Republic Jianmin. Zhang mentní listy,an frequentlyoutlet publishing op-eds theAmbassadorof Chinese to the Upper in HouseChina of the Czech Parliament. Valenta, however, Parla owns 1,000 cityandLabem nad500 of Ústí the US due blacklist abuses rights to Xinjiang, donated human in 3,000 people’s Chinese hurting supplies it before that “resolutely China in assuring and opposes any place or person The company evenissued a the companycizing for Czechia. helping as to China country “unfriendly” such an The news theof donationcaused a to the citygarments of Nymburk Bohemiaandthe Central two region in donations. 20,000 some donated Changhong company. companies present on of the that Czech is the Changhong case interesting market. An improvementto an of China’s itself.victory Yet public conducted activities by the owners of the club leading and prevented by the club CEFC/CITIC/Sinobo turned from was going bankrupt into a Chinesecurrent majority owner, Sinobo,in November 2018.financial The help which by CEFC 2015. in taken over Thewas stake CEFCin by CITIC 2018 oldestand soccer clubs the country, in troubles went into financial andboughtwas knowledged by the public, of the case is club. Slavia one Slavia, of the most popular The epidemic coronavirus opened a One of the few exceptions where Chinese investment been reluctantly has ac

masks to the Senatormasks Ivo Valenta,

feelings”.

public statement, how stressing it donated had medical

image haveimage been negligible. masks to region. the Plzeň masks 148

stir on the Chinese internet, peoplestir with criti Also Dahua company, one of the companies on on companies the of one company, Dahua Also 150

new window of opportunity for Chinese Chinese for opportunity of window new who has not been known for supporting supporting for known been not has who

respirators, 200,000 149 Curiously, donated it also

masks and protective protective and masks

and soldand to the

masks to the masks

PR PR 147 - - -

search forsearch outside new partners international of to advocate –Warsaw the EU started diplomatic relations were consequently frozen for a a Donald and TuskwhichLama,Kaczyński resulted in Dalai met unofficially the with head of government to announce the planned boycott. a taking EU Tibet. in especially Beijing Olympics’ ceremony, opening China’s towards pointing country’s Poland’s representatives. Polish by of criticism to be China’s marked the last byalso straightforward a and novelty attractive but for Polish decision-makers the notion miracle” of seemed the “China to be an a for development economic rapid undergoing been already had emerging markets were the so-called that and a the event led diversification to that the realization of economic was needed partners tude towards Beijing. Although Poland went relatively the crisis through untouched, considered by Beijing of illegitimate, course as Chinese criticism. met with attention theof Chinese Embassy.kind This of support for both andTibet Taiwan, Polish-Taiwanese Team Parliamentary werethe established negative attracted and culturally. and the Polish-Tibetan like organizations Friendship Association active politically both territory, while support for cause the Tibetan among the general public with high, was Poland, government on Polish representatives Lama the Dalai with met times many international tool an as sured for the country’s boosting a to democratize, failed had regime that whileauthoritarian Poland perceived itself as either was ignored China time, same or perceived a through were preoccupied mainly developing with the and the US. EU ties with their At the From the end of 1989, the communist regime in consecutive governments Warsaw in Polish of Sciences Academy ences, Asia Research Center, War Studies University &Graduate School for Social Sci Alicja Bachulska courtship continuing of When Beijing met Warsaw: A

harsh responseharsh from the Chinese side and fears of economic sanctions. pioneer of democratization its and contribution to ending the Cold War trea was What followedWhat a was The global financial crisis was a crisis Theglobalfinancial Throughouttwothefirst decades following the end of the in regime communist Prior to 2008, at remained the periphery China of Poland’s

then Prime Minister Donald Tusk Minister then Prime joined the international boycott theof

firmer stance towards the stance withtowards Donaldissue, firmer EU Tuskthefirst being 151 Moreover, institutions like the Parliamentary Group for Tibet or the the or Tibet for Group Parliamentary the like institutions Moreover, 152

At the Poland time, among was the most vocal advocates of the

premise for its economy. own boosting The year 2008

radical policy turn, embedded policyradical a turn, in

turning point in terms of changing Warsaw’s point of terms in changing turning

then President Lech Kaczyński as well as the well then as as President Kaczyński Lech

viable option. China At time that

period. 153 In the same year, the same In Lech both

soft power. soft

widerthe shift towards

normative lens an as international agenda. agenda. international human rights abuses, abuses, rights human

number of decades,

domestic behavior behavior domestic

story story 154 Sino-Polish Sino-Polish

atti was was - - - 33

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 34 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence in crucial sectors.perception This crucial in was fueled praise American by official ofPoland, the US of terms in its approach Chinese international presence towards growing office as one ofdirectors,its widely was regional asa read Poland.ing alleged an arrest The spy,Chineseof who worked for Huawei’s on the Sino-American its and implications rivalry strategic for countries, third includ (not only) of the realm technology. Huawei become has the focal point of the debate underUS Donald Trump China’s administration focused on has limiting andmilitary. toSimultaneously, the Chinese party-state apparatus its alleged links the recent become years, also it of has the target fierceinternationalcriticism related to Huawei Chinese tech a As giant gained has could of be the case Huawei’s the interests its interests to of balance with its partners international been trying has limited) Chinese presence the Polish in market. Theexamplestarkest of how Poland tieswith Beijing,cultivating new Through enabledhas Warsaw a to be perceived started deteriorative potentially that as for Washington. its ties with US after 1989, has in found terms of some tornitself China-relatedapart decisions Warsaw’s criticize to jing could perceive engagement As threatening. as grew, so did occasions for Beijing China’s the Polish parliament (Sejm). countries MoU signed an on cooperation the and lower the NPC between house of People’s National the of Committee Standing year Warsaw the high-level witnessed also of Dejiang, the of visit the Chair Zhang SzydłoBeata attendedBRIthefirst Forum for Cooperation.International same The MoU on the the BRI Suzhou during 16+1 China’s as Poland picked up by Polish media someand officials, to started promote who the notion of Beijing. which helpedgain, imagewin-win inflated of to an boost cooperation promoted by of cooperationlist agreements signed Xi’s during countries the two tobetween a A (Prawoconservative i Justice and Law party Government-to-governmentrule. cooperation intensified after the evenfurther eventsBoth took place under Civic the liberal Platform’s for European countries Eastern (CEECs). and cooperation Central and China between which, from the Polish of perspective, the inauguration became the 16/17+1 a of Beijing’s with met nomic cooperation underpinned was by diplomaticthat and effortspolitical gestures investment. Chinese eco aim of boosting agenda atThe attracting an ultimate aimed Chinese immediately Embassy reacted. Washingtonand signed the Polish-US Joint on Declaration September 5G in 2019, the Polandhe thanked for “protecting the telecoms sector from China”. displayed that such the of speech as in the US vice-president Mike Pence, which in

year later, Chinese president Jinping Xi visited Poland elevated and bilateral ties

For a For strategic partnership agreement partnership strategic (2011) Wen and Jiabao’s

155 poor human rights recordpoor rights human or from advocating of any kind agenda Bei that

long no time, ‘sticks’ were Poland as used by from China refrained criticizing The announcement The theand thesurrounding of it werehype BRI quickly

“gateway to Europe”. to “gateway

response. At the political level, the form in ‘carrots’ materialized

foreign policy. Poland, which enjoyed close relations the with 157

engagement in the Polish telecommunications sector. sector. telecommunications Polish the in engagement

strategic comprehensivestrategic partnership. Theextensive 156 159

summit in 2015. in summit 2017, In Minister then Prime Warsaw endorsed the project an by signing Although the Chinese side acknowledged

Sprawiedliwość) to came power 2015. in strong foothold the Polish in market in

Congress (NPC), during which during Congress (NPC), the two

visit (13 visit

sign ofsign Poland siding with

(Platforma Obywatelska) Obywatelska) (Platforma

in total) was a total) was in

visit tovisit Warsaw (2012),

growing (albeit still still (albeit growing 158 When Warsaw

expansion in in expansion

framework framework

symbolic symbolic

Warsaw Warsaw - - - to its initial inefficientto its initial thatenabled responses to firstspread in virus the place. the push a forward as its image own a denied: Beijing to reinvigorate tried has some communication (e.g. channels through ever, China’s unclear whether new still it deliveries was ofthe time writing, would follow. How tenssuits, of of thousands medical gogglesaround150 as as well equipment 15 worth Reservesthe Material Agency). producer) governmental andtwo bodies (the Development Industrial Agency and state-owned enterprises (among them KGHM, the major copper national silver and some commercial Chinese enterprises, procured purchases they carried by Polish Poland in arrived China on 26, March 2020, from but 9,000 apart well 10,000 as 5,000 2020 bought by respective actually states. When itwas comes to Poland, mid-March in presented has eters. China these deliveries aid, although as most of the equipment Chinese deliveries equipment, thermom and kits of testing masks, such sanitary as referred Beijing’sbeing to as the started crisis. with These efforts have struggling to countries still assistance a on containedthehaving first phase After of the epidemic in mid-March, Beijing embarked COVID-19 up to 144 lasting regions China, in to certain introduced increased, China as also visa-free has (forChina transfers citizens) EU all anti-Chinese actions of Polish politicians. The general mobility of traveling Poles to neverChina threatened to scrap the connections punishment as for the perceived Warsaw Unlike Beijing what happened the and new Daxing. Czechia, in airport andfacilitatedhave connectivity been recentlyextendedwith a Warsaw Beijing and operated jointly by Polish have China LOT Airlines Air and divisions. its and internal Polish political spectrum Poland goes beyond China and conventional ideological divides the associated with Forum 2018. in It clearly individual involvementseems that cooperation in between and Poland’sPlatform party 2018 in World Conference the conservative Justice and Law attended party) Dialogue the of thethe with CCP en place. Among others, Suski Marek such politicians (a as cyber-security,manipulating andfreedom”.citizens’ personal privacy (…)infringing bigger the to media slander,US offensive“instigating aimed at and (…) undermining any specific the documententity,that not was targeting it of the interpretedpart as it

17+1 The Chinese government’s Chinese The of terms In symbolic agreements, the establishment between flights of direct Visits by former high-level or politicians members of the political elite have tak

diplomatic mission to strengthen China’s strengthen to mission diplomatic

China pledgedChina to provide free of 10,000 charge videoconference professionals health with from the region from and China) protective suits, 5,000 suits, protective

epidemic that started toepidemic unfold of 2020. started internationally at that the beginning

diplomatictimethe thein effortsof pandemic coronavirus be cannot

shoe covers. shoe

million USD, including 600,000

or Bronisław Komorowski (a Komorowski Bronisław or 161

The first three planes carrying some of thethreecarrying from goods planes Thefirst

former president) attendedthe Taihu World Cultural

medical goggles, 10,000 “mask diplomacy”, since they have relied mostly on

162 ‘carrots’ have become evident especially the during

responsible while ignoring criticism related partner KGHM bought it that has from claimed China has

hours.

softpower globally by promoting its

masks, overmasks, 250,000

test kits, 20,000test kits, disposable medical gloves as

member of Civic the liberal

high-ranked member of

connection between between connection

masks donatedmasks by

respirators.

N-95

protective protective

masks, masks, 163 164 At At to to 160 - - - 35

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 36 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence its Chinese partners, the cities ofits Chinese partners, Chengdu, Guangzhou Tianjin. and a In idemic Poland. in mid-March In 2020 the Chinese side promised to send a of Ya’anand Zamość signed a port). (maritime on the route container to terminals Europe) Asia fromtrain Central Gdańsk and promoted(its intermodal terminal a as the most active places involved paradiplomatic in include relations China with Kutno to slow regional cooperation started China, down. also while after 2017, togetherwith a Polandtween the years 2011–2017, in China and paradiplomatic also accelerated, efforts do not cooperate Chinese counterparts. with 2020, only out three of 16 Poland-China established was held and the years 2013–2016. in annually of As early bilaterally. a As Leaders’ orLocal Meeting China-CEEC Forum of Capital City Mayors)as as well of the 17+1 government within place taken has primarily ten the “model advertised as connection” under the BRI. Cooperation at lower levels Chengdu, and of Łódź nodes the main of the Chengdu-Łódź connection, railway of (23 at differentcounterparts levels, both provincial (13 level, level local governments to develop have started Chinese their also ties with ofresult Beijing’s removedwas that had it been a from the media suggesting the name, with China’s and Embassy supportedcil the idea. The project receivedstrong pushbackfrom the Chineseboth Warsaw’s Platform Kubiak politician, Michał from Wola who wanted to one district, name of in idea came Theinitial political2008 and distinctiveness. cultural about Warsaw in to honortheir the people of maintain to Tibet struggle their and issues the related public was to the situationChina in debate a on naming engagement. case of Thelast Polish governments’local efforts to support normative rored political level, trends at the central from skepticism i.e. the turn to high-level ties throughout decade. the last Paradiplomatic have dynamics to a played has role increasingly important an counterparts developing in Sino-Polish cities Nanjing, such as Yuyao or Taizhou reportedly requested help from Polish their monthstwo earlier it the Chinese side was had asked that assistance: for similar to facilitate deliveries medical and equipment of sanitary to Poland. the Chinese mayors, the mayor Zdanowska asked the Chinese side Hanna of Łódź MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: CHINA’S THE MEETS THAN MORE

Polish cities). Polish Local-level cooperation Polish between regions and cities and Chinese their Sino-Polish paradiplomatichave efforts also played a casealso “panda been diplomacy” ofTheso-called has first noted, when the cities Moreover, the period it during of seems that increased political cooperation be Since the diplomatic towards took cooperation China place with turn at the central

roundabouts the Free Tibet Roundabout. Members coun of district the local

result from of partnership 2011, the strategic the Regional Forum 166

pressure on Warsaw. on pressure The most notableexamplethe is cooperationthecities between

Ministry of Foreignin Beijing. Ministry Affairs Finally,the “free”word

administrative regions Poland in (known voivodeships)administrative as

bilateral cooperation agreement 2019 August in

gradual revisiongradual of Polish foreign policy towards

panda to zoo.panda the Zamość

the city Łódź officiallyof requested help from 165

crucial node ofcrucial (four the BRI), Małaszewicze

PARADIPLOMACY IN POLAND 167

Polish regions) and municipal 168

role the COVID-19 during Apart from the city Apart Łódź, of

format (e.g. China-CEEC 169

from a from large degreelarge mir 170 Interestingly,

local Civic Civic local

letter to to letter

round

direct

and and

ep ------like thelike Shanghai-Warsaw Scientific AI JointLab at Warsaw University of Technology. laborative have been established research also institutions at differentuniversities, andlifemanagement engineering, fields sciences. all the in natural, of teams ScienceNatural Foundation which of China, supports joint Sino-Polish research thesuch SHENG as scheme by the Polish National Science Centre the and National grant-schemesthrough established by Polish directly Chinese and public institutions, ernment-sponsored cooperation of the education realm in been developed also has which brings together 14 multilaterally, e.g. the Sino-Polish through Universityunder Consortium the BRI, improveto aiming effort image the theruletarnished of CCP overthe region. “foreign scholars” were either or framed consciously a in participated the oppression control and of the Uyghur population Xinjiang, it these in seems that increasing amount of evidence showing of the extent coordinatedaimed effortsat which the government Beijing in the situation the region. in handling is a with noted a that However, media. mainstream when it comes to controversial issues, Chinese media of Sino-Polish relations seems to close they are be as limited, to invisible the in impact on Polandshapingties between Theirpublic actual China. and perceptions ties, for example on the occasion of of anniversaries the establishment of diplomatic public organizing in events (e.g. conferences, concerts) promoting and Sino-Polish (Dolnośląski Dom Harbińczyka).tants Some have of been involved these institutions (Stowarzyszenie Obywatelskie Dom Polski) Lower and Silesia Club of Harbin Inhabi turalne), Sinopol Foundation (Fundacja Sinopol), Civil Association Polish House nomic Association (Polsko-Chińskie Cultural and Towarzystwo Gospodarczo-Kul Poland-Asia Studies Centre Studiów (Centrum Polska-Azja), Polish-Chinese Eco the Sino-Polish Friendship Organization (Towarzystwo Przyjaźni Polsko-Chińskiej), attemptthe extend to CCP’s or supervision on the Chinese side cooperation societal as seen is by Beijing an as otherand to countries a always assume has Because people-to-people ofEuropean counterparts. this, cooperation China between communication officialrepresentatives with is highermuch when compared to their of the politicalnature system they operate Thus, in. the level theirand of contacts the reflecting (GONGOs), organizations non-governmental government-organized Chinese environment, most non-governmental (NGOs) organizations actually are However, their Chinese counterparts. the in that mind it in to important bear is with ties developing been have sector non-governmental the from organizations constraints. legal and supportdue limited remained to administrative yet actual most in cases partners, UNNOTICED, DEVELOPING FAST: DEVELOPING RELATIONS UNNOTICED, PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE Academic cooperation place takes universities, between bilaterally both and In Poland,In there a is cooperation as actors societal far concerned, is between As of types various

group of “foreign scholars”, who support expressed their for all the way in

member of the Civil Association Polish House visited together Xinjiang 171

number such as foster of China, that organizations ties with

Chinese and 9 and Chinese

influenceand achieveinternational its goals.

Polish universities of technology. Gov technology. of universities Polish certain level ofcertain government intervention

172 propaganda propaganda Given the the Given 173 Col - - - - - 37

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 38 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence in several media outlets, raising suspicions several mediain outlets, raising about authorship their intentions. and Trump’s Donald criticizing and construction 5G in ment Huawei’s defending articles anonymous incident, spying alleged the following shown byrestraint Beijing the On Polish of at the time the arrest. side, the months in when it comes to sending a seems toand have been motivated by Beijing’s both coverage close was to offensive. US pressure on Poland (e.g. Poland “a calling alleged Chinese Warsaw spy in early in 2019, presenting the event a as overlooking time same the PRC that where was the epidemic developed. initially haveIts China’s at posts praising aimed official throughBeijingchannels, narrative mostits media social notably Facebook. spread around the world, it suddenly vocal very active and became pushing the in site’s thein eyes and society traveling, “China learning, of foreigners”. onradio programs a extensively. The CRI Polish website enableslisteners to access a its Polish own Radio International has (CRI) China however, channel, it does not air the scope of cooperation Chinese state-owned between media the and Polish side. Xinhua the press with agency, affiliated tionextending Centre, institution an thus Poland-Asia Economic Studies agreement Centre the China signed an with Informa Chengdu Moreover, Łódź. and 2017, in also the Polish Agency Press (PAP) the and Roadand for Initiative its and meaning Sino-Polish cooperation the and cities of supposed are tothe agreement, produce parties the two a governmentslocal (e.g. the city Łódź)have close of especially contacts. According to Television. and work. Polish public Television recently agreement Chengdu signed an with TVP Radio 2017 of context consideredareas relatively unproblematic, culture. and language like whendominant institutions it comes to shaping China-related even narratives, in haveogy been chronically underfundedin Poland, CIs do represent one theof most neutrality,and sinolstudies controversiesas China their stir potential to exists: still the newest at the Warsaw University of Technologyin 2019. Despitetheir relative Poland, the oldest established at the Jagiellonian UniversityKrakowin in 2006 compared setup, as ones. to American institutional Currently, CIs there in six are most at probablyPolish constraints universities due different their and to structural sensitivepotentially topics from university to have CIs departments been reported, workshops. culture traditional and of No cases outsourcing of academic courses on Polandin have rather remained uncontroversial training focused and on language versial by the government Beijing. in favor in ofcurricula the Chinese perspective, or avoiding topics deemed contro universities of affairs throughout the Western world they have as been accused of interfering the internal in Confucius Institutes ConfuciusInstitutes (CIs) Chinese media outlets published extensively on topics of an the arrest such as Polish the in Chinese and media especially cooperation been growing, also has

content seemed rather outdated, but once the coronavirus epidemic to started 177

being the officialyear of media thecollaboration within 17+1 The fromoutletis the Sichuan province,with which some Polish

number of topics, economy, such as language Chinese film, sport, 175 where established, they are e.g. schooling altering through

morethe aggressiveto signal Polish side,given the relative 174 182 have attracted growing criticism in criticism recentgrowing have attracted years However, of coverage type event-specific this was 176

efforts in containing the virus, the while at virus, the in effortscontaining However, Confucius activities Institutes’

US accomplice” US

domestic and international needs needs international and domestic

anti-China policiesanti-China appeared 181

documentary on the Belt Belt the on documentary ). The tone of some the of

database of database archival 179 CRI and its and web CRI

direct result of of result direct

involve

frame

183 and and 180 178 ------

involves at interview the Chinese Embassy. an online or by However, post. 2019, in the procedure now, and changed a the scholarships fully remote, was with applicants all documents submitting necessary 2,115 short-term long-term and According programs. study 2017, in to Xinhua, there were to increase the number of Chinese government scholarships issued to Polish students. forsymbolically important sides. both One of the promises made the was visit during of the Polish Minister’s Prime fivealmost minutes) andthen uploadedthe to official website and YouTubechannel ofgoals Sino-Polish cooperation.fully(lasting the thattelevised was speech The fact were cooperation among the main trust increasing and strengthening that stated and made numerous references friendship” to the “traditional Poland between and China byvisit a April 2012,in which in he addressed the Polish people on the occasion of the first China’s Oneand of unknown. far,so the first elementsrare impact remains of actual their concerned, scope their extended, yet has without a the allegedly unfair nature of the Sino-American nature the allegedly unfair the conflict, trade need for“win- by in Chinese disseminated officials recent claims months,standard e.g. related to media accountsame noted, however, the content that with filled of was the meeting not cover the event, which seems to defeat of itself. the purpose the meeting a meeting nese perspective” the Polish with media. beforeEmbassy Wang Yi’s by matinees” the Chinese organized the such “journalist as journalists, with ings including the prestigious Peking, Tsinghua or Universities. Fudan of Technology, where Polish students were introduced to 25 Council include education the one like fairs, hosted 2018 in events hosted cooperation Scholarship in the Chinese the and China Embassy with on especially controversialattitudes towards China, issues.Other education-related need on the side of Beijing to control the inflow of foreignandstudentsknow to their viewssonal prior a to being granted candidatesdoes somehow are not all that mean pre-screened of terms per in their ofinstead the US a as cant’s held questions by his and the ambassador covered himself topics the such appli as groups for Polish some interested students China, of in were the interviews allegedly Austria and Germany, and Austria Cui and Hongjian, the Director of of European the Department Shi Mingde,Ambassador Canada; and to the the UK former Chinese Ambassador to Huawei.against Chinese representatives (including the former Peixin, Zha Chinese cooperation”win well the lack of as as evidence international accusations supporting LOOK WHO’S Other activities co-organized or co-organized co-sponsored activities Other include by China closed meet A Chinese soft as power far As tools in influencing terms of public opinion are

Polish China. in students studying

view of the security situation in China or ofview in China situation why the security thecandidate hadchosen China growing numbergrowing of students from Poland have traveled for to China both

PR outreach a was

Chinese Prime Minister to Poland Minister Chinese Prime 25 in

suggestion was put forward by the organizers that the journalists shouldthe putsuggestionthat was journalists theby forward organizers

TALKING: CHINA STORY, MADE IN POLAND

place of to abroad. kind study anecdotal evidence this While

televised by speech Wen Jiabao to visit Poland his during visit tovisit Warsaw July in 2019

Office

scholarship, it nevertheless a suggests 185 suggests that at that time consideredwas that it that at suggests 186 188 Until last year, Until last the application process for According to the during media reports, 187

years. According on to posts Facebook

large-scale quantitative analysis analysis quantitative large-scale 184

in orderin to “share the Chi In his speech, Wen his In Jiabao

by Warsaw University

Chinese universities,Chinese

second stage stage second

growing growing 189 The The - - - - 39

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 40 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence rivalry on Poland,rivalry headlines included statements “US such the world is as of king Together Warsaw’s with ofrange topics touched upon these of in kind publications its style. has as varied, has gen. interviews with Robertas Spalding, Donald Trump’s note published newspaper the same also that has such pieces of China, critical highly doesthat not openly side any of with the Polish It to important is political parties. appeared Polish in most media, notably “Rzeczpospolita”, a officials from op-edsChinese interviews with and the have critical stance, Embassy more to means disseminate but as voices radical to also China, when needed. For in promoting China’s COVID-19 who up set Twitter his Guangyuan, and Facebookthe accountsas time the same at it took the form by of the of posts Embassy various the PRC its and Ambassador Liu visible media especially became the coronavirus pandemic.social during Poland, In a its to presence enlarge which media, of now social to its has in kind start become been active onalso Facebook both Twitter and amonginstitutions andthefirst was on spreading information related the of and Embassy to the PRC China Poland. in when I official that media stated his accountssocial the “China considers cooperation sporadic,and his neutral the embassy a there with was events hosted by Warsaw. the Chinese in Embassy the Chineseinterview Ambassador to Poland produced has and video from reports thesuch author as of the “Chiny to Lubię!” blog (China I well politicians, the one like as as hosted at Warsaw’s promotedalso at high-level events attended by both Polishanddiplomats Chinese locationtheir the result is of long-term cooperation the sellers. with The book was visible displayed and spot for the same in prolongedthat periods of suggesting time, stations.are Theyvery usually train and locations, at airports newsstands such as ofernance China”. The publicationwidely been has displayed for various at purchase Polandin been China-related has merchandise, Jinping’s Xi such as ones. prominent most around the world all narratives different through among – being themedia means been promoted under Jinping Xi a as stories China well”of “telling ( economy”. global whole to a make has of tensions growing text related to Huawei “each the international arena, in country thein that constated also of International Affairs) Studies Institute at the China “advertisement”) praising the governance“advertisement”) praising under of Jinping, China Xi which attracted of”. advantage taken concern expressed his Polandalso that might be “tempted by the US offersandthen lies” the Chinese Ambassador with –the of title interview to Poland, an which in he

major new trend throughout the world. The engagement diplomatsof Chinese in Another of sign China’s Traditional been used not also media only has to create positive related narratives When it comes media presence, to social Warsaw the Chinese in Embassy has also been The promoted has Chineseperspective thewith help influencers,of

epidemic reaching Europe. was Twitter His centered activities around

choice moment important nobody and an is aside, stay this for can as

efforts supportto theandPolandthecrisis. EU during 196 191 The same also publishednewspaper(labelled as inserts paid 190

growing concernsgrowing related to the effects theof Sino-American These efforts represent These efforts Beijing’s

effortstheincrease to country’s 讲好中国故事

strategy to developstrategy supportand CCP-friendly , jianghao zhongguo gushi), zhongguo, jianghao whichhas 193 Although the author of the blog blog the of author the Although

Royal Castle in late in 2019.Royal Castle

like it!),like who invited was to

popular nationwidepopular daily

global political campaign campaign political global visibility and recognition recognition and visibility advisor on China. on advisor

like it!”like blog focused

bookGov “The 194 195

time time 192 The The - - - coronavirus throughout the world”. the throughout coronavirus enabled had covering China she “by up the that spread the truth, claimed of the opinionan piece by the US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher,in which he published Rzeczpospolita, the daily appearances in open letter an in response to engagement the Polish in from of usual the time his media coronavirus. in Apart example. for Embassy, Chinese the of however, what percentage of them included op-eds by interviews and representatives fashion. allegedly neutral an in the country of them portraying media amounted the Polishin to over mainstream 2,000 2010 January between research, widespread, its message been consistent. has indicated As by previous MapInfluenCE cooperation Chinese officials. with some but criticism, did not the media outlet’s change has also become also has one of the key players the telecommunications in sector Poland, in andmilitary.Over the the Chineselast thefew party-state apparatus years, company a tracted technologies innovations. and Huawei been among such has at them it as and has state-owned,and have become global players sectors important advanced such in as businessand footprint have Many Chinese expanded. companies, also private both internationally. and domestically both sources of neutralizing and oppositionco-opting potential to authority theof CCP following of the goals the United Front Work a Department, working organization an underand Committee the Central the of Communist Party itmedia reports, being coordinated is Youth by the All-China Federation (ACYF), ofover its recruitment the and lack of processes. transparency its aims According to Despitefrom suspicions CEE appearances, China. and raises the program its benign includeprograms Bridge for –a the Future cooperation in developedtor programs part to take under the 17+1 on countries. societies third in public, Sino-American which illustrates and its possiblealso rivalry strategic impact a of one of Polish the most popular unprecedentedan webThey constitute portals. case to prepare for the outbreak. ofington spreading “a ny-to-company), Huawei with partnership dates back to 2006, when the state-owned infrastructure. telecommunications of creation the in of terms in itsboth penetration of the consumer market well its involvement as as PEOPLE AND COMPANY-TO-GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND THE WINNER IS... : CHINA’S

As China’s As The invitedChinese side also has fromand thePolish civil sec NGO participants but notLast the Chinese least, Ambassador to Poland displayed unusual has an When itWhen comes to company-to-people cooperation (also understood compa as high-level PR offensive by and BeijingWashington aimedthe at Polish general

lot of attention due to rapid to its allegedand links internationalexpansion

economy developed has over decades, the last its economic influence

political virus” and claimed that China bought China the US that claimed and time political virus” 200 Both pieces Both were published on the Onet.pl website,

and June 2018 June and 199 197

In his response, his In Ambassador Liu accused Wash NATIONAL COMPANY-TO- IN CHAMPION Although this type of coverage type Although this has not been 201

scheme that aims toscheme together bring aims youth that

the number covering of articles China

position on publishing in texts

pieces, the majority with

body responsible for for responsible body 198

framework. These We do not know, We not do - - - - 41

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 42 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence general in the company. the in general the region,time a the first 1,000 Europe Nordic and countries located Warsaw, in where the company employs around but notLast Huawei least, its regional headquarters has covering Eastern and Central test Huawei’s can educationaland institutions administration public of representatives and operators telecommunications partners, Experience Centre Warsaw in 2015 in competition). the of stage of autonomy of terms in choosing candidates (at the best internally the first in least since publicly are its rules universities available participating seem and to have a competitions. internal of Science Higher and well the Education Ministry as as to select began students in when five 12) universities(currently supported theDigitalization of by PolishMinistry facilities in Beijing. trip,study where they Huawei visit Shenzhen headquarters in well research as as to high-tech innovations. and travel winners The on a to China technology students, who essay competition an in participate on a Future. The scheme a at selecting aims universities implementing in its global scholarship project for Seeds as known the certification coursescertification theirstudents. to scheme founded by Huawei authorizes that academic to deliver institutions Huawei at Poznań University(HAINA) of Technology. Poland the establishment is of Huawei Authorized Information Network and Academy cities, Warsaw. and Zakopane citiesin Gliwice. like 2019, In cooperation continued, but Ericsson with other in and environments urban in solutions 5G non-standalone implementing on Orange with one among few of Poland. in its kind on provide and solutions for private businesses –a to establishogy a Huawei with example, Labs the and partnered Warsaw Orange of Technol Institute ofonly construction networks in themselves, developing but in also innovations. For not the Chinese giant with innovations,and players with partnering Orange such as companies have extensively also cooperated Huawei with the field in infrastructure of Huawei cases, providerboth the main was of equipment both solutions. and 490 tions provider Poland) in another loan granted by to amounting CDB, was time this Play mobile network (operated by the biggest currently 4G, mobile telecommunica company’s the support to efforts its of “Huawei’sthe as deal P4. operator mobile ish to co-financethe ofconstruction and 2G 3G withnetworks a Chinese Development (CDB) Bank signed a

Moreover, Huawei established its Customer Solution Innovation and Integration Integration and Innovation Solution Customer its established Huawei Moreover, Another example of a of example Another million EUR and aimed at constructing Poland’s at constructing aimed and EUR million

people. 2019, August In Radosław Huawei’s became Kędzia

Long Term Evolution (LTE) network for students to experiment 210

Theimplementation in thein 2014,of program Polandstarted first key first projectin Europe, financedwhichis bypart as CDB 211 202 214 The admission processtransparent, the seems of program

Huawei-sponsored innovation-related cooperation project in Chen Zhiming (director Chen Zhiming of CDB Shenzhen branch) lauded 212 The move was probably motivated by a

non-Chinese the position assumed national of director 207 206 209

(the the world), in third where its business long-term development”. long-term In mid-2018, In Huawei already working was

group of information and communication communication and information of group Huawei Poland cooperates local also with

loan agreement worth 150 worth agreement loan 208

latest technologies and equipment. and technologies latest HAINA is a is HAINA

project by praised its authors as

first mobile 3.5G network. 3.5G mobile first

newly-established Pol newly-established non-profit partnership partnership non-profit

fully paid two-weekpaid fully 203

given topic related topic related given vice-president for

Two years later, growing needgrowing to

million EUR EUR million 205 Other Other 204

lot lot In In 213 - - -

on spying allegations. spying on company’s the of one when itsand allegedly close relations to the Chinese kept globally. state growing of the image Huaweiinternationalize for PR reasons, the debate as on the company Foreign Intelligence Agency who do not enjoy diplomatic immunity while working new for assigned they are important identities the officers particularly are that of the sensitive the such process as areas, of of legalization secret officers, service inwhich related to telecommunications infrastructure. Project to the Centre, IT a trials cal the transfer.witnessed had by the press who gave source their anonymous as an employee who of the ministry conferencing equipment from The the Chinese firm. donationwas soondiscovered receivedand videofreeAdministration of 2011, Affairs Internal the Polish Ministry a with politicians. Polish for obligations legal has conceptuallythat difficult towards the Chinese remains state Huawei’sderstanding Nevertheless, the relocation solely remains currently scenario un and hypothetical country. the in sector technology the in taxpayer corporate biggest the company (over 23 well a as environment for Chinese companies. Huawei a both is Beijinglations with from and a regional capital, possibly continuously Budapest. good very Hungary re maintains the relocation of the regional Huawei headquarters from Warsaw to some other showcase its of discontent events, turn the current a with Poland, which only it early gained in had 2018. the company lost its leading has position seller the most in as popular of handsets comparedas toquarter, the first when Huawei held 35,4%market share. dropping by around the 11% second in of 2019 quarter controversies have already impacted the consumer market too, Huawei’s with to be increasingly a seen as market started of Sino-American rivalry. strategic Consequently, Huawei’s Chinese influencethethrough tail analyzed lens abroad,to be began their dynamics the broaderagainst background of repeated USunder efforts Donald cur to Trump Poland’s Warsaw’s one month thearrest of after Huawei CEO Meng givenand in Canada Wanzhou worked for Poland Orange on the event detained charges. theAs same was happened were Also, some made to other have politicians ministries. been given free Huawei Agency. by Security the Internal According unofficialto information,similar offers abroad. When it comes to company-to-government relations, Huawei cooperated has When it comes to possible ‘sticks’ could that be used by the Chinese side to Poland,With in regard to this Huawei 2019, under came January in the spotlight

number Poland. in of government For ministries and institutions example, in 221

million EUR) in taxes (over taxes in EUR) million 2017), more in times three than which made the support for the US’ approach Since towards China. the events were unfolding

substantial taxpayer. 2018, In substantial Huawei Poland paid nearly 100 As a As

closeness Washington, with widely it was interpreted expression an as of

result of the media coverage, the equipment donation investigated was

behavior as both a both behavior as 215 Together a him, with 219

high-level Chinese employees Warsaw in arrested was The equipmentallegedly handedwas over for techni

political perspective offers a offers perspective political

unit responsibleunit for public organizing tenders

nominally privatenominally an entity entityas as well

potential security threat.the that security It potential seems 220

Its work allegedly covers also more Polish ex-security officer also who

(holding 24,5% market share 24,5% market (holding

comparatively big employer as as employer big comparatively

possible threat includes

presence on the Polish more reliable business business reliable more 217

million PLN million As a As

result,

sales sales 216 218 ), ), - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 44 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence results in some in results forms of deglobalization (e.g. global in supply changes radical chains). on the globalcrisis economy, these might evolve goals if it especially the future, in stablecountry under CCP rule. Yet, effects the of unknown coronavirus given the still a of Beijingin convergent are China’s –building world. of context, goals the Chinese ultimate enterprises this the and In government to shift Beijing’s to shift itslimited, image-building for properties seem to be crucial the PRC its efforts in of kind impactcoronavirus of help pandemic. very this remains Although the actual efforts their simultaneously intoplay Beijing’s players on the Polish market clearly to want improve image, while tarnished their Chipolbrok sent equipment from China 250,000 worth donatedhas 50,000 Poland’s to Ambassador 20,000 most notably Hospital Warsaw in Clinical to (MSWiA), the Central which received equipment donatedhas to sanitary Polish companies (e.g. Exatel) country’s the mote finance. trade and lending corporate exchange, cross-border and clearing RMB Bank’s Construction China openedChina its office also caterssame and in tothe clientele.business year The collection.andexport import as as letters well guarantee andcreditof Poland 2012 in have offices their inWarsaw. bankChinese an to open first was in the ICBCoffice Bank (ICBC), ofand Commercial Construction China Bank and China of China Bank public. the from comments while attendinghandsets events the by co-organized Chinese side, critical in resulting

Chinese companies Poland in have joined also Beijing’s other big as far Chinese marketAs players on Polish soil concerned, are Industrial functioning international tradethesysteminternational serve functioning long-term goal of thekeeping

protective from masks the Chinese enterprise.

offering corporate banking services, such as cross-bordersuchas services, offering corporate banking remittance,

responsibilityspread for thetheinitial of epidemicthe to outside

softpower the crisis. coronavirus during Forexample, Huawei masks and 300 and masks

Twitter account,another Chinese tech company,Xiaomi, 222

Warsaw established branch was 2017 in

thermometers, while Sino-Polish joint venture venture joint Sino-Polish while thermometers,

positive abroad image maintenance and

softpower offensivetime in the of the 226

USD. According to the Chinese

diplomatic efforts to pro 227 The Chinesebiggest 225 and institutions, institutions, and

and focusesand on 223 Bank of Bank 224 - is probablyis closer to 2.5 Chinese investment reached has 4.5 specific According arenumbersuncertain. government, the to thestockHungarian of of the sum CEE FDI in hosts region, the largest from China Hungary thoughthat the a as gary region level. to to that rise 2017, in partnership one was major of though Hungary the last countries the CEE in speculation”. on a beyond mentioned he as has pragmatic, a as several times China Wang Yi, who met year. the PM same in Orbán Orbán’s Budapest 2019, in of Foreign wellthe Minister and as as StateCouncillor Affairs of Committee the Standing theof Chairman National People’s not has happened. still Vice as PresidentHungary 2009, in visit state official from Xi an Jinping toHungary while President PM and met Orbán a Xi travelled several including times, tohas China to Belt both Road and Forums. Yet, addition, heads the two of government met the 17+1 during 2012 in Keqiang oftenMinister then Prime – Wen Jiabaoin Budapestin successorlater his 2011, Li met home PM his Viktor Ministers in Orbán rather Chinese Prime country cially leaders state haveHungarian Espe travelled to meet to counterparts. their China 2011. in Evermeeting since, Chinese delegations both have visited Hungary, and leaders the 2010s: in EuropeEastern Budapest fact, in hosted China-Central the first projects states. the two between agreements by officials, Chinese visits and and state andinternational meetings joint ostensible government Hungarian reaction be identified: to them –can high-level Hungary. and ship China between Two forms of main official interaction and – the of Budapest Central and Eastern European Center for Asian Studies University &Corvinus Tamás Matura Hungary in influence China’s of case curious The autocrat’s One

successful ‘labor-basedsuccessful society’, alternative an as toand Western economies “based Both governmentsBoth to like refer to level the high of Chinese investment Hun in However, another member of the Politburo Committee, Standing Zhanshu,Li political an Thereabundanceand Chinese was between Hungarian of meetings It intergovernmental is which exchanges up make the busiest venue of relation

clear sign of sign clear excellent relations countries. the two between It indeed is true, 228

as VicePMas 2017 in and

The two The sides agreementan signed on comprehensivestrategic

billion USD. The sourcethemight that the discrepancy be of 229

billion USD the country, in taste for carrots: carrots: for taste

at the Budapest Summit of the 17+1

few recent in times visited years, Xi and

relationship goes to China

summits. Orbán himself himself Orbán summits. 230 but number the real

Congress did visit visit did Congress

good example of

group. In In group.

- - - 45

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 46 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence ian governmentian to failed point has out the benefits theof project.Governmental interested the project in Hungary debated the Hungar highly is as among experts, Group. Engineering Electrification Railway China and Construction Tiejiujuhood –together Orbán friend China of Minister with Prime & Engineering – a International Zrt. thedispute.settle legal The public tenderwasawarded to the RM consortium of 2016, the in deal against government butfound the Hungarian finally a has a cost at 2.1-2.5 least will the line project Hungary. in The 160 infrastructure railway connection be the most Budapest expensive between Belgrade and will the existing of undisclosed, the are deal details but according to media coverage, of the upgrading absent political the discourse. national in issue, Most but of the it exact virtually is level, the massiveexpert Budapest-Belgrade project railway become has a A nors’ took Meeting place Budapest in 2018 in of Chinese economicGover Bank managementChina-CEECCentral the and first Governor György National Bank, Matolcsy, of the Hungarian a is agreements several fields. regulatory in fests in They includefinance– indeed, the other agencies been contemplated. having Intergovernmental cooperation mani Tourism Promotion Agency headquartered Budapest in the and establishment of later. cooperationand meetings Multilateral not are either, rare, the China-CEEC with business between actors on based nationality. their discriminate Szijjártó the GovernmentInternational that Import Expo stated does of not Hungary at the second Speaking European China for states China. annual with co-operating lucrative make and with trade investments the country, in out yetand smaller call while European and powers that American condemnclaims the PRC politically, they aboutquently the “double talks of standards” the western democratic countries. Hungary’s good in is relations the country with maintaining to emerge foreign regarding starts policy towards the PRC. that Beyond asserting items. the Southwestin of Hungary, of proposals thefailed and features list several more Group Construction to build failed been airport the cargo built, has Shanghai so far Airlines, neither Hungarian of proposed the two MALÉV citric-acid factories have decade, the past in despite Group levels high to Hainan buy failed of expectations. role. Meanwhile, plenty and of Chinese promises haveplans materialize failed to regional plays important the country the CEE in of an headquarters of China Bank Hungary. The biggest investors areWanhua Yantai,while ZTE,Huawei having and were bought by the Chinese, but which did not involve a companies parent their as hands Chinese in now companies includes government It beyond is question the governments that the and PRC of Hungary undergoing are theand Chinese controlled Greece in of port Piraeus not is even negotiated yet. the developmentupgraded, that but true it also is of the connection Belgrade between that the corridorargue transportation officials North-South of the hasregion to be

loan from the EXIM Bank of China. The EU initiated an infringementan The initiated procedure ofEU China. Bank loan from the EXIM

particular joint infrastructure project, however, joint infrastructure receivedparticular a In the rhetoricIn Foreign of Hungarian Péter Minister Szijjártó a Indeed, business cooperation Chinese companies with common, is detailed as 231

company controlled by a by controlled company

billion USD, 85% and of the to cost is be financed by

– agriculture, and other and minor areas. – agriculture, state supported billionaire and child and billionaire supported state

km long Hungarian section of long km Hungarian

proactive investment into

lot of attention: on the the on attention: of lot interests, he more fre more he interests, 233

known admirer admirer known common theme theme common 234 What makes makes What

contested contested

way to to way 232 He He 235 - - - - -

As mentioned, a mentioned, As security,maritime in supporting Japan rights). conflict, torture, anddetainee human 2016 between vetoed or threaten to veto controversial decisions EU against PRC aimed measures questionable international PRC policies. At four least PM times, Orbán’s wouldblocks that mechanisms multilateral do so. violations and persecution of and religious it actively ethnic minorities also China, in nificant. Not only Orbán’sdoes Publicly openly, and Orbán’s Chinesesure delegations do not face protests to the country. visits their during makes or activists Uyghur prominent banishes Hungary when important, rights man which led to has some adverse effects, due immigration togovernment’s the effects theof Hungarian stakeholders someaffect Hungarian adversely, forexample those worried about legal favorable to Chinese companies, nationals, investors, and even may activities their if the and President European country Central of communist-ruled the largest, state. crusader,munist now right-wing of a Minister Prime Christian-democratic considered bedfellows: unlikely as a a to be a seem parties opposition the of none Furthermore, themselves. policies fundamental retired) have initiated fact, supportive –in been highly towards of opening China an of the up-and-comingman Democratic social-liberaltheCoalition, has latter party (the Party former, Socialist Medgyessy and ofGyurcsány the Hungarian nowchair questionable itself. Thirdly,the predecessors theof Orbán governments, former PMs cooperation the national that noting of the rainbow coalition of opposition highly is foremost could see this some Budapest in revisions. —, But secondly, it worth is mayoral council and majorities winning key in tionand municipalities, parties first PRC-friendlyhis policies. However, recent with politics local in changes –opposi facetevery of politico-economic power the country, in comfortably he can continue policies soon? anytime Most likely not. approach its shift The towards PRC-relatedwill questionHungary China. arises: or politicians,local the government judiciary agencies who represent can a or they always organizations, face credible political parties oppositioncertain from the EU.else in Even governments national if have been strongly dominated by Beijing policies. policytheir towards stances PRC; he and conforms carefully enthusiastically yet to governments out over partner overregularly calls hypocrisy well assumed as as real policies towards the foreseeable Beijing in change will Consequently, future. there is PRC policy record. For these reasons, Hungary’s it all that unlikely highly is comfortably even that stated a open-mindedbut still policy toward Beijing government in too.

honeymoontwothe sidesas relations. their may in surprising, couldbe This be Firstly, PM Orbán’s monopolisticSuch almost an political environment does anywhere not exist Internationally, however, PRC-friendly political decisions even are more sig public agencies Hungarian cases follow administration many In policies are that

harsh critic of China and would and critic ofharsh China probably follow a

and 2018 and 240

In return, the ‘long stick’ of the ‘long stick’ the PRC return, In absolutely is absent Hungary. in NATO-ally, member EU an and state’s

hold on power been remarkably has stable. captured Having

(either alone or jointly, of Sea the cases the in South China

Fidesz welcomes party investments Chinese in Hungary.

significant portion of today’s of portion significant

government not stand up to Beijing’s to up stand not government

236 formerly moderate national liberal anti-com liberal national moderate formerly or those whothe find protection of basic hu 238 Hungary also defends also other Hungary

minister of foreignminister affairs

opposition got has a somewhat more careful

“golden visa” program program visa” “golden 241 Therefore, be can it

human rights rights human

government

foreign foreign critical critical

small small

pro- 237 239 - - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 48 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence fruitful, lucrativeandpersonal fruitful, business relationships out of it. to the idea of profitingfrom the re-emergence theof PRC andhas probably – built levels all branches and almost of government. Fidesz leadership committed very is not enjoy such unchecked long-term power –legislative virtually supermajorities at power) in staying governments populist the Visegrád region in Poland in such as do no credible still basically with opposition sight. challenger in successful Other (at a for rule Fidesz cementing advantage, his to order economic and supermajorities each time. legislative national three constitutional elections in resulting winning the EU in the been has of successfulOrbán PM most in party power)staying (at party political forexplanations it. political system of One the Hungary. special is Fideszruling The like an flourish.really mayThis oddity, seem nevertheless, there are a other leaders’ genuine seemingly of admiration the Chinese model. promise of economic business and Viktor and cooperation Orbán’s China with generous coming from assistance China. “bought”,like “purchased”, but rather gives the impression the supplies all that are coverage avoids any reference to the price of the medical supply, and never uses verbs relations. supplying ventilators and was masks nations, China if due as to the close political policythe success the and deep Opening of friendship the Eastern the two between support.ical Meanwhile, government of the narrative the Hungarian emphasizes side did not launch a to Beijing for medical equipment. Unlike other in European countries, the Chinese government the Hungarian as turned China, and ernment relations Hungary between a (twice zhen-Xi’an-Budapest fly Chongqing between and Budapest a (twice Xi’an and between flights Budapesttimes a (three aviation authoritiescivil of the PRC airlines have for rights Eastern granted China connections Budapest to between expand other and Chineseexist destinations: the Beijing between flights andtimes a three Budapest Budapest,and operated a Shanghai times between three Airlines (a politicalcurrent environment eagerly proactively and Beijing supports cases. many in simply no need for to employ China any ‘sticks’ its relations in Hungary, with the as less so under the successive governments led by Orbán. Therefore, governmentslocal agreements. Hungary, however, a is colleagues the form in ofrelations Hungarian their sister city with or sister county NOT VERY NUTRITIOUS: PARADIPLOMACYNOT VERY NUTRITIOUS: À The coronavirus pandemicintroduced has a Connections countries the two have between to become Shanghai tighter thanks Sub-national governmental of units the to PRC seek good have been trying Despite level high government-to-government relations, lower-tier relations do not government-to-government sum, In relations forces: driven are by main two the 244

subsidiary of China Eastern airlines) flights Eastern of its launching regular, direct subsidiary China The language of governmental Thelanguage communiquesand pro-government media

major PR campaign in Hungary to spread newsmajor Hungary in about PR campaign its med 245 This has allowed thehas PM This to re-shape Hungary’s

week).

rather centralized country – and has not has –and become country rather centralized 243

new dimension to government-to-gov

week) well on as as the route Shen

week operated by Air China. Plans week Plans operated China. by Air LA HUNGARY week); to Airlines for and Hainan

week. 242 246 There are also direct direct also are There

long to come, time

few compelling compelling few

political

and and - - - however, one a as in limited, is of the institutes performances and to audiences. their lectures impact theon society, Their actual (2019 (2013 Miskolc countyversityseatsrural the ofandlargerin Szeged (2012 number of fiveConfucius Institutes (CIs) – inone inBudapest 2006 have been established decade the past Hungary, in in the relatively such as large public observable. is impressive An educational and number institutions of cultural rarely go beyond ceremonies some the and signing visits mutual of MoUs. not if hard impossible one Still to may have track. the impression such activities that interactions authorities local are between Chinesespeaking their and counterparts list official ofsister agreements an city to as is assess, available, not and generally example”. Chinese the follow we emplary. he As said: ”We would to like add more discipline into the life of Budapest, visited Beijing where he found the disciplined Chinese way of city governanceex relations: for example, Tarlós Mayor István (supported Fidesz by the ruling party) been working also — has on Chinese tourists improving with popular tion its also relations. Budapest ever –becoming an more European significant tourism destina Ajkaas Gyöngyös. and It however, hard, is significance suchof the to actual assess localities, e.g. the smaller-sized county seat Szolnok,andmid-sizedsuch towns rural city relationshave been establishedthein 2010sand Chinese between Hungarian or even influence socio-politicaland economic decision-making. A have rather powers, limited competencies, resources and to conduct foreign relations (worth 430 (worth Metropolitan University of Budapestacquiredwas theby private China-CEE Fund Budapest in 2019. National in connected Bank to the Hungarian announcedFudan the establishment of its independent own a in campus launched a country’s the regionbetween Furthermore, University Corvinus China. and of theBudapest, by the Chinese side. SEFCCE mostly is involved educationand exchanges cultural in paid experts written by bilateral andits relationslocal CEE partners China between established Budapest in 2017. in publishes TheInstitute China-CEE briefings on no-European Foundation of Chinese Education and Culture (SEFCCE) were both theof The ChineseInstitute China-CEE Academy Sciencesof Social andthe Si fessed approx. the same that 500 services. a market, with telecommunications Hungarian the on companies leading the of one Group, Invitel several European investments large region, Eastern and across the including Central GROWING APPETITE: RELATIONS GROWING PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE The tendency towards more addressingsociety civil measures and the general The outcomesdifficult are and significantly rarelysuchmaterialize of activities

at University of Debrecen). theseMost offerinstitutes of scholarships, public 249

most prominent economics and business university, and Fudan University Fudan and university, business and economics prominent most

joint 2018, MBA in program following and a million USDmillion 2017 in

at University Miskolc),of Pécs (2015

portfolio including fixed voice, broadbandinternet, cableIT and TV 247

people show up at events their on a and advisedand by CEE Equity Partners) whichhas

city in thecityin countryside privately con

at University of Pécs)and Debrecen

meeting with PM Orbán, with meeting

at University of Szeged), 248 Priorthe to this,

plethora of twin twin of plethora

at ELTE Uni regular basis. regular

building - - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 50 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence listenership publicly available. ofthese activities GBTimes. None of these the radio number make stations of their China-related shows were discontinued 2019 in sponsoredoriginally by GBTimes PRC through government funding, however,the about related programs radio China issues was and station used to feature regular early 1976,as as but now it only is available online). Rádió, a Klasszik (it language launched broadcasts was (CRI) language the the local Hungarian in in the media havein been other made: V4 all in like governmentit sees the Hungarian a as does not seem to be interested domestic influencingthe in discourse, as Hungarian beyond Unlike other in channels. countries of the usual the CEE region, positive, Beijing society does not to appeal Hungarian to go directly to lengths great China-EU relations may the harm EU well.in as feel made China has uncomfortable the low as cases, reputation certain in of Hungary Beijing. According to some unofficial diplomatic sources eagerness the ofHungary policy of Budapest, the government as of been supportive very Viktor has Orbán of however, there that no is need for proactive Chinese measures to influence the China Beijing’s for environment andsocietyused for at political purposes homeand abroadas creates – well a groups within Hungarian finding resonancewith Japan, certain as but far still as the proven nationwith –sometimes of origin the stretched falsely Hungarian Asian of instead on politicalChina, or value-based Czechia. issues in like tend to focus on economic (or the potential imaginary) benefits of cooperationwith society, Hungarian realpolitik in of ethos as public cunning tain anddiscourse media the ideawith to dedicate a for years, many but representatives of came Chinesegroups minorityup in Hungary According to such have media camps reports children for been organized Hungarian Defense theand Catholic Church resultedand a in of which children hostedChinese diaspora cooperation was in the Ministry with 2019. in programs Thesehaveincluded events also such as a cultural the and PRClations Hungary offered between a anniversary of diplomaticTheto the recent70th of Chinese history re filmmaking. of Bank) topicsCentral the from financed by ancientHungarian coins (at partially least national television,national or the pro-government Idők (now Nemzet). Magyar daily Magyar close to the government, and offer a exclusive media outlets. Most of interviews to Hungarian these media outlets are PEOPLE RELATIONS PEOPLE GOVERNMENT-TO- OF LACK LEAVE IT CONSPICUOUS TO BOSS: THE THE When it comes policy there a to towards is of the image China, the Hungarian Moreover, public events exhibitionsand took also place a – featuring Somewhat unusually, the PRC’s However, it worth mentioning is a that Since government-to-government intensive to rather seem be relations and

whole week’s whole

European influence efforts. to is It important emphasize,

safe space to the Ambassador, the like Hungarian

Ambassador rather frequently to Hungary gives

supportive partner. supportive camp forcamp Chinese 2018. only kids August in

few feeble attempts positions at acquiring

as the Chinese state stopped financing the Chinese stopped state as financing

countries, China Radio International

good opportunity to organize these to good opportunity organize

patriotic military training camp. training patriotic military 251

This, combined combined This, youth for camp

classical musicclassical

large swath swath large 252 Beijing

perfect perfect

cer 250 - - bilateral relations where he received a a AmbassadorThe also appeared the state-ownedon national M1 newschannel Ambassador conducted correspondent by the Hungarian of News Xinhua Agency. Thelatter the has with an one eveninterview transcript of published theHungarian companies Hungary. investing in Thereare 80 morethan nications company to rights and Huawei. status Such special agreement an grants ernment signed a 2013,Already in well before made 5G had it to the policy debate, Viktor Orbán’s Hungary. in expectations a not government’s the by about brought relations company-to-people corporate and participation, responsibility social that projectscould play a Chinese investments outreach and job through creation, communityand building Cup. Confucius the called championship, badminton company offers also fivescholarships university for students website, the idea of from Wanhua-Borsodchem. came Jason Ding, the Chairman the Beijing is institute Universitypartner of Chemical Technology. Accordingtheir to TheConfucius Institute. of Institute the University of Miskolc Chinese is unique as its ment been contributing has and to the operation of university’s the local county the north-eastern in operating seat Miskolc)of involved was thein establish (a Wanhua-Borsodchem forSeeds scholarship the Future to ten the technology students in fieldeach year. people potentialas attract workforce – primarily to be employed. Huawei provides its which plays a a visits, official their during example for Li PM gary Keqiang attended the of unveiling have of public been Chinesein leaders state instances participating events Hun in 17+1 and in both bilateral multilateral Theseare(e.g. administered China. to in study ans through simultaneous Mandarin-Hungarian translation. Affairs, Cola,Coca etc. Outof these, seven Chinese according are of to the Minster Foreign gious household around the world all names Microsoft, such as Daimler AG, Nokia, thewith government standing this – thesome of attained country themof presti DRAWING CLOSER: COMPANY-TO-PEOPLEDRAWING RELATIONS MORE THAN WELCOME: CHINESE COMPANIES IN HUNGARY

statue of Confuciusstatue at a brief on interview the occasion of the establishment of the anniversary 70th of The tiesThe Chinese companiesbetween andtheGovernment areclose. of Hungary Scholarships a also are Additionally, the PRC offers scholarshipsand educational to programs Hungari

cooperation) frameworks the like Chinese Bridge program.

lot of seems to the have that level as been below realized, of Chinese FDI still is 260 –Huawei, BorsodChem, Yanfeng, Wescast-Bohong of China, Bank (though

rather important and visible role in organizing Chinese diaspora life. diaspora Chinese organizing in role visible and important rather

strategic partnership agreement with Chinese global telecommu global Chinese with agreement partnership strategic

significant Chinese-owned chemical industry corporation corporation industry chemical Chinese-owned significant

259 Chinese-Hungarian bilingual primary school Budapest in primary bilingual Chinese-Hungarian

way for to reach Chinese out enterprises Hungary in and

few, friendly questions answered and them 258 Overall, it the promise is Overall, of

corporations that have have that corporations 257 254 and supports a supports and

public policy. So far Furthermore, there there Furthermore,

Confucius role in the the in role 256

local local gov The The

253 255 in in ------

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 52 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence a Chinese companiessmall (and individual members of initiated the diaspora) also 20,000 (itin Bank to plans 2020) Construction open in its first branch Hungary has donated topanies donate medical equipment around the world. all the China Hungary In the Government with havedealing impressive of seen an Hungary increase. Huawei not is alone even it if obviously is exceptional: the number of companies number Chinese agreements corporations of with partnership strategic suggests develop Hungary, the 5G system in despite by the US. previous the warnings As of ForeignMinister announcedSzijjártó in Affairs November 2019 a as employed is authority migration at Huawei, specialist customs while a A Huawei used to work of Interior for for the Ministry seven a years as ment employees. According to one media reports of of the regional managers trade most purposes. ofas these products be for used both can military and civil a for dual-useimport devices to Hungary, although according to the company, it natural is holds. 1,000laying services. LTE-450 network mobile majoring contracts: state the emergency operation system, call services utives Hungary, in at and international events; China Huawei and been receiv has government’s only five be can found thetheministry) list of on

crowdfunding campaign to collect money for healthcare institutions. healthcare for money collect to campaign crowdfunding

former official of the Nationaland Tax Customs works asa Administration Additionally, a Additionally, personally met Huawei has Orbán It Minister Prime exec not is the status: just The pandemic coronavirus has offered someChinese to new com opportunities

company producing telecommunications equipment to have such permissions, 264

masks to the Hungarian National Center, Healthcare Service to the Hungarian masks Moreover, Huawei it make possible that possesses permits for the company to 263 The company has also participated in internet Thein participated companyalso networkhas development by

km of cableskm optical to provide broadband internet to 140,000

charm offensivecharm relations strengthen to Beijing.to

revolving the company door between seems to govern and exist

primarily used by state officials and also also national security used by officials and state primarily

visa specialist by the company. specialist visa

former deputy head theof im of department 261 – which might be part of –which the might be part

that Huawei that will 266 Furthermore, Furthermore,

legal advisor. advisor. legal 267 262 and some some and a 265

leading limited limited house ------Slovak considering politicians, especially China’s emergence of alternative much markets made China more the eyes in important of economic boomEU accession. after subsequent the and liberalization economic Slovak given investment Chinese for of the European Union which increasedas a its attractiveness other the and subsequent tone of relationship. their First, Slovakia a became features of Slovak at improving aimed initiatives economic relations China. with the cautious that approachargue towards issues sensitive for one was of China the strong imprint of Václav Havel on the foreign policy of addition, Czechia. In some outcome of the lack of support for historical issues comparable rights human to the ment of issues. rights Generally, human approach this been interpreted has the as Slovak usually officials avoided up any stirring controversy China’s regarding Kelemen Barbara and Šimalčík Matej Slovakia in action? in China Missing publicly, a organized activists rights human local Despiterights. the reluctance of Slovakany discuss officials of the to sensitiveissues government’s the countries. the two ties between However, 2009 in dence 1993 in thefirststate.visit Thewas one bya accompanied Hu representatives between high and by meetings various of the Slovak relations. economic on Slovak governments shared have rather the same, cautious all approach a with howin Slovak various governments approached on record, rights its human China not much has that changed practice.China in Although there were differences small a become continued driven by the Slovak growth industry. car GDP. the former Robert Ficowith times. Minister three Prime visiting the period 1993-2008,During there were eightfromvisits China official to Slovakia, (compared to countries) relations other Chinese officials. Asian with with meetings a Central European Institute of Asian Studies media with the majoritymedia with theof Slovak publictheanti-Beijingwith siding protestors. widely were was the and clash commented arrested of activists on by the Slovak ended and palace supporters with up of clashing the Chinese president.

long time, did not pay any particular attentionlongexcept did time, not to China, for pay anyrather particular frequent The 2009 The After 2009,altered twochanges the important countries’ perceptions of onean Given wella as as the geographical distance 271 In fact, after the global financial crisis, Slovak exports to China experienced China to crisis,exports theSlovak global financial after fact, In

more prominent partner. Nonetheless, the Slovak foreign policy towards towards policy foreign Slovak the Nonetheless, partner. prominent more

landmark visit to visit Slovakia bylandmark breakthrough Hu important Jintao an was

and marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment anniversary markedand of the 60th diplomatic

traditionally cautious approach towards China’s towards approach cautious traditionally 273 270

Chinese president since Slovakia’s since president Chinese Second, the global financial crisis and the the and crisis financial global the Second,

different political history, Slovakia, for for Slovakia, history, political different

protest front in of the Presidential

contribution to that year’s that to contribution

society in Slovakia wentagainst 272 This hinted that China couldhintedthat China This

268 potential destination During this period, period, this During

record on human 274 A

indepen

member number

global global

treat focus focus 269 275 - - - 53

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 54 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence China’s 2016.Slovak in President Lama the Dalai met Andrej with Kiska exception to the Chinese benevolent approachthethen towards Slovakia after came Slovakia its if core interests (Tibet, Taiwan, Xinjiang, etc.) concerned. are Themain for cooperation China. strengthened with Chinese tween officials and theminister Slovak who onnumerous occasions argued AssemblyGeneral president. his capacity asa in Chinese officials various metboth with tion. candidate Miroslav Laj according to (unconfirmed) diplomatic by reports sources,supported the China Slovak ‘carrots’ have been scarce. Slovak interest in China’s cooperationpragmatic a in as a characterized andbe The can Slovakia overall relationsChina between workshops and nars on technology related and topics transfer across the CEE region. heldwas Bratislava 2017. in in on of the organization the China-CEEC Conference on Innovation Cooperation that innovation theand CEE in states technology and transfer. The center also cooperated Bratislava. The is platform set to coordinateand facilitate cooperation China between Wangwith Yi 2019. in Slovak President Čaputová over of a issues her during rights human raising and boss Speaker the Party of Andrejtional Parliament Danko, even criticized new porkand Gabriela meat Minister Mate to China. productsof Slovakexports spearheadeddairy of to the initiative Agriculture certify 2013 in to China Lacko-Bartošová, Slovak to discuss exports Magdaléna of Agriculture, Weifang ofPan the Ministry the State met with Secretary business. The offormer theAmbassador Chinese agricultural Chinese to Slovakia forestry. intergovernmentalening cooperation on the topic of connectivity,and agriculture Development Rural and of Transport which have and the Ministry focused on deep to Bratislava 2013 in Hui Liangyu for economic cooperation were accompanied by of visits then Chinese Vice Premier celerated after of 2012.the 11thand meetings The 10th Slovak-Chinese commission of communication by Slovak diplomats. The cooperation on a platform cooperation EU-China the importantly most and contacts. Sino-Slovak of 2017 of Slovak-Chinese relations. The relationship the to at endnormal to only began return tions”. of political basis interpretation China-Slovakan ‘‘the of breaking rela the meeting One of the recent of drivers Agriculture of cooperation been the Ministry has Establishment of the 17+1 A A 2017,In Technology the China-CEEC Virtual Transfer Center established was in 283

287 few exceptions to however, the rule, out. First, stand on the diplomatic front, second case points to China’s to points case second Laj

Foreign Ministry initially threatened retaliation against Slovakia on based threatened against retaliation initially Foreign Ministry following of the 6th the summit 17+1 This statement then This was followed by a 279 č Since 2012, the Ministry of Since Economy 2012, hosted the Ministry has a ák, who 2020 March ák, until 276 281 č ák during the 2016 during ák Apart from the 17+1 Apart

market. ‘Carrots’, ‘sticks’, rather than even and prevail the

rather number limited of sectors mostly driven by the 284

282 platform and Slovakia’s and platform This suggests the existence the suggests of This relationscordial be Besides, a the center organized has

and 2015. and

willingness to use ‘sticks’ its relations in with willingness

served as Slovak ofserved as Foreign Minister Affairs, 285

United Nations selec Secretary-General 278

platform, the V4+China mechanism marked by China’s

č year-long diplomatic stalemate in in stalemate diplomatic year-long ná, together herná, with Slovak Na

inclusion into it reinvigorated 277

and 2015. and

minister and as the UN the UN as and minister were channels used as

number of delegations

bilateral level ac also

renewed interest

number of semi 286 280 In response, In The Ministry

lukewarm lukewarm

meeting meeting ------

domestic politics where subject he a as uses this China towards affinity shouldSlovakia, his be viewed throughprism the of Slovak the and Chinese Blaha in Embassy However, between links assuming rather than become has trip quite controversial to cause and managed a Blaha’s paid tripwas The for and entirelylabelled as a by China 2019 August proach towards Beijing group for the is parliamentary friendship In China. with SMER-SD.of Beijing. From attended was Slovakia, the meeting by Juraj DeputyBlanár, Chairman vember 2019, held a China From active member cooperation Slovakia, an this the in SMER-SD is party.In No of the case Kiska. was as Lama, Dalai a in engaging Yi rather than criticism ina raised thethe official EU and consensus Čaputová’s to to have no had effect on Slovak-China relations. effectively playedandtheany havecriticism potential down remarks proved far so effects of her remarks productson exports. Slovakdairy Gabriela Mate ofstance the European Union, Čaputová’s situationrights China. in were quick to point out Čaputová’s went down without any tensions, some Slovak such politicians as Ľuboš MP Blaha Statewith Councilor Foreign and Wang Minister the meeting Yi Bratislava. While in China’s however, chosen so far not has to upon act the invitations. the Chinese Ambassadorwhile with to meeting Slovakia 2019. in The Chinese side, continued 2017 in 1.13 from slightly. grew exchange According to World grew to China Slovak data, exports Bank perience any negative impact on its economy the bilateral economic anything, if and to diplomatic point important is out this during that freeze off, did Slovakia ex not Slovakia customs. and in cooperation and railway-cargo in transport vited his Chinese counterpart to Slovakia during the Eurasian summit in 2018 in summit to Slovakia the Eurasian Chinese during counterpart vited his communication. Andrej Danko, the Speaker of the National Council, repeatedly in a (again) a to na’s vocal voices Slovakia. promoting in its and narratives China Nonetheless, to it become point important is has Blaha out MP one that of the most

Probably the biggest anomaly to Slovakia’s to anomaly biggest the Probably of 17+1 part As Recently though, once become Slovakia has again more when critical it comes to the After 2016 The crisis caused Thethecrisis by COVID-19 public of improving the aim diplomacy Slovakia, with of in the image campaign different rationale. different

outspoken on posts Facebook which echoed oflines Chinese propaganda, the human rights record. rights human July In 2019, the Slovak President Čaputová Zuzana met

rather cautious stand towards China, trying to re-open for the channels trying rather towards cautious China, stand

billion USD 2015 in

the group, led by Ľuboš MP went Blaha, on a

293 criticism can be explained by the fact that Čaputová by that the fact be explained did not can criticism go beyond č ná, the Minister of Agriculture, who of worried the Agriculture, Minister was ná, about the potential

meeting with the Dalai Lama, Slovak governmental Lama, officials took the Dalai with meeting and 2018,and andpoliticalthat economic suggesting relations work

cooperation, China also fosterscooperation, also relations political China parties. with 290

meeting of the governing parties from China and CEE in CEE ofand from in meeting the governing China parties While this position this accordance in is While the official with

highly symbolichighly public statement the or with meeting

to 1.26 to

remarks regarding herremarks regarding concerns over the human

billion worth of exports in 2016. in billion of worth exports

epidemic resulted a has in

position problematic as portrayed was by

way to attack the ‘liberal opposition’.‘liberal theway to attack 292

pragmatic yetpragmatic rather cautious ap The non-response by the Chinese Chinese the by non-response The 291

‘‘study visit’’.‘‘study Together with Despite the concerns, China closed meeting with Wangclosed with meeting

visit tovisit Beijing Tibet. and

public Slovakia. in stir

large-scale Chi large-scale 288 289 However, it This trend This

and and 294 - - - - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 56 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence two meetings in Bratislava, the cooperation in meetings mostlytwo focused has on educational and the representativeswith Municipal of the People’s Shanghai Frešo (SDKÚ-DS) for called intensification an theof relationship a during Region’s Bratislava the with oversight Oversightexperience Committee. was in to exchange purposeThe of the meeting a with met (independent) Bajan Vladimír then-governor have concluded sister Chinese agreements provinces. with placetake on a division of onBased the the Slovak administrative Republic, sub-national relations twothe fight leaders between theargument whichmakes credible. less argumentwas however This as a mainly used Lama. Dalai for of the failure the proposed project President between the meeting the and Kiska cargo transport. floated theby governmentincluded developing forandpassenger theairport both a ernment (especially former Fico) Minister Prime repeatedly has mentioned engaging from Bratislava a and hour’s an less than is airport quite are (Vienna close to other international larger airports airports both located the West in a of the country). East and The reasonpartially is from either Bratislavaany Chinese or airport airports Košice civilian (the main two However, its V4 unlike chapters of the paper show, Hungary, Czechia, in been the case has Poland. and this a major of Foreign objections by the Ministry European and Affairs. the government endorsed has the strategy, the action to due plan pass failed it has to account politicalimplications. or security symptomaticis It that set this up while of siderations by a rather than itselfplan shows been defined so far has the Slovakby economic that strategy con Slovakia. and China between relations economic of development the on plan government’s core interests when it comes to foreign policy, despite the existence of the Slovak outbreak (more the chapter in on people-to-people relations). it exculpating from and responsibilityChina viral theof mishandling fortheinitial (SMER-SD), who been one has of the drivers of Slovakia’s ment concluded was by the governor Juraj from democratic the Blanár social party exchanges.cultural THE WEAK CONCOCTION OF SINO-SLOVAK PARADIPLOMACY

Chinese investor future development in The was thethat of airport. idea Bratislava public diplomacy tool of some economic, but symbolic also As significance.other China has oftenthe has used establishmentChinese China as flights with cities direct of Despite becoming more recent in important not is years, among China Slovak Žilina RegionŽilina established a Bratislava Region already by 2003. established Shanghai with ties 2007, In Sub-national cooperation often an is overlooked aspect of Sino-Slovak relations.

strategy towards China for towards China 2017-2020strategy municipal a and 297

However, Fico to materialize. failed these plans cited a as drive from approximately is Bratislava; Budapest airport 2.5

little under 3 under little

partners, Slovakia does notpartners, have a

wider political/public which dialogue would into take

partnership with Zhejiang province with partnership 2012. in Theagree regional level. Currently, self-governing three regions

hours from Košice). Nevertheless, the Slovak gov Slovak the Nevertheless, Košice). from hours

Controller Office. In 2015 Office. Controller

and an accompanying action action accompanying an and

tool the domestic in political

direct line established line direct with delegation of the Shanghai engagement with China. engagement with

Congress.

then-governor Pavol Pavol then-governor 296

practical onepractical as 298 Besides the

meeting meeting

reason reason 295

hours hours The The 299 - - - partnership since a partnership had 2003. supplied Shanghai 2 municipal government offeredaid to material Bratislava Region,with which has it government. municipal Cangzhou up the buying engaged in of medical supplies across Europe them to the selling and interests to tied are the Cangzhou city. Šebo, priorthe to pandemic reaching Europe, a to Friendship. Sino-Czechoslovak of Farm local made byof was the city masks in of Cangzhou Hebei provincethe with together to “mask engage diplomacy”. in China of Instead any of the sister cities, a wereand used neither of purchases by nor Slovakia medical materials, to arrange by the response to the freedom of information request. cities.two However, no field interaction this was mentioned in the in by Hall City 2006), in could be this a starting 2004 established in was of factory on Žilina the outskirts (KIA wellindustry. as economy the local As manufacture around based is car Žilina in theOn city’s for fields. and sports cooperation practicalities, the culture in especially occurred A basis. work. According to the City a Hall, were that activities conducted agreementthe main the partnership frame within of information request filed theby authors,the Hall Cityprovided an of overview example showcasing the merits of municipal-level cooperation. on Based a municipal level a between partnership these Since partnerships. the longest is partnership the Žilina-Changchun running it questionable is whether to reap thebenefits townsmanaged any significant from its for cooperationAs established Changchun (Jilin)was with Žilina, 1993, in a interest developing mutual in clared cooperation further. townsdid the not two any formalWhile cooperation sign agreement, there a is its cooperation Shenyang with Province) started Bystrica (Liaoning Banská 2016. in some form of cooperation Košice, Bystrica, Chinese cities Banská with are Žilina. and agriculture. or conservation, energy innovation, scientific and technological exchange, cultural like promoting cooperationand Chinese areas CEE further between in municipalities of adopted the meeting Tangshan the so-called Consensus, Memorandumbilateral of Understanding, Prešov region along other participants with the 3rd during occurred Leaders. of Besides Meeting China-CEE Local concluding the Hebei province 2016 in

Friendship Cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding Wuhan (Hubei). with

Slovakia has eightSlovakia has regional-level cities, which and the three have established During the COVID-19During ThePrešov Region agreed to cooperate on a Slovak entrepreneur, Eduard Šebo, who whose and active China is in business

Slovak delegation visited Changchun has on several occasions well. as As

website, Changchun presented is a as 301

under the framework of the 17+1

pandemic, 307

potentially beneficialpotentially area of cooperation forthe Regarding provincial-level partnerships, Shanghai provincial-level Shanghai Regarding partnerships,

Chinese delegation annual the cityan visits on 305

Slovak and a and Slovak the sister-city relations remained dormant dormant remained relations sister-city the

306 Memorandum of Understanding with with Understanding of Memorandum The donation was inherently tied tied inherently was donation The

pallets of medical equipment.pallets

city with important car making making car important with city

Chinese city,an as serve can it 302

cooperation. The signing 300 In 2012, In Košice signed a

document at aimed

with manufacture manufacture with

donation donation freedom freedom 304 but but

de 308 303 - -

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 58 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence quite low due both to its location the and content, it as did not a list of 17+1 successes the highlight to the exhibitionwas located one in of Bratislava’s exhibitions various of organized itsChinese accord. has own Embassy A from the well at above-mentioned several Apart as as galleries. Nitra, exhibition, the throughout Slovakia, including at Comenius University, University in Agriculture of narrativethe officialChinese onexhibition Tibet. The was held at locationsseveral –Chinese Tibet”.story thoroughly within framed The exhibition naturally was cooperation in the Chinese Embassy,organized, with a Toto other institutions. the Confucius Comeniusat illustrate, Institute University exhibitions classes –be or it providing organizing language external is activities their community. policy security and foreign Slovak the problem been overlooked so far has tends China to Slovakia be in as neglected by could influence generations future watchers China in ofthe country. However, this Confuciusinvolvement Institutes’ at Slovakuniversities could be problematicas it toschool present curricula contentious Chinese propaganda, the with line issues in Giventheexperts. security and accusations the the of altering Confucius Institutes groundsandthus security and oneof future recruiting theSlovak diplomatsmain of academic providing organizations education the fields in internationalof relations its Faculty as est of Political ScienceandInternational Relationsis one the largest of The same goes forthe Confucius at MatejInstitute BelUniversity, iswhich of inter education of the language of part sinologists. integral future an are lecturers Institute universityandthestudents broader public. ComeniusAt University, the Confucius to Slovak classes raging. CIs focuswas mostly language on providing Mandarin Confucius theglobal while Institute debate the institutes’ on negativeinterference ations. the On contrary, Matej Bel Universityundertook the establishment their of thevealedwith severalCIs’ by university interviews with oper personnel familiar universities general in do not seem to consider a CIs as Dalian. Economics, and Finance nership Matej between Bel Universityand Dongbei in Bystrica Banská University of establishedofwas Confucius the three Institutes in only 2018 Economics. and Business International of University Shanghai the with its operations at Comenius University,the oldest Slovakuniversity, partnership in University. Tianjin 2007 in establishedwas Bratislava, one and Theinstitutes firstin Bystrica. of the Banská in Classroom at Universityin also ThereNitra. is ongoing Agriculture of cooperation to Slovakia (only to the other CEE countries). IN SLOVAKIA IN INSTITUTES CONFUCIUS OF NETWORK GROWING PROMISES: EASTERN Despite the and internationaltrend criticism of closing down CIs, two currently areratherin operating with Confucius Slovakia active Institutes Moreover, the CI based at the Slovak Technological University opened a opened University Technological Slovak the at based CI the Moreover, Besides at host their activities universities, institutes’ the three a

as a as

partnership between the Slovak between partnership Technical Universityandin Bratislava 309 In 2015, In the second of Bratislava’s 311

cooperation. However, its persuasion potential was was potential persuasion its However, cooperation. 313

shopping which supposed was malls

Confucius Institutes started started Confucius Institutes

public exhibition “Chinese potential threat as was re was as threat potential

as a as

single case related related case single

significant part of part significant

result of a

310 notable case case notable

Confucius Confucius Thelatest 312 Slovak Slovak

part - - - - considers to be its core interests. The embassy’s attempted to theshape Slovak public discourse or itself media that China issueson a Slovakia in warrant Embassy the interest of young people scientific to in study programs. science eventannual Theamongpopularizing at aims the Slovak publicand promoting of 35,000 ceremony for of 2016. in the program the alumni of Education, whenMinistry Peter the then Minister Plav of even its for Seeds was endorsed part program as This program. the Future theby versityin Zvolen) by providing scholarships studentsmajoringto in ICT related fields universities (e. University, g. Žilina Technical University of Košice, orUni Technical partnership. receivedalso equipment to conduct applied research from Huawei of the part as intelligentthings, systems, ICT networks, or the Safe City concept.university The the future”. Research conducted UniversitywithŽilina focuses on the internet of thepartnership agreementof labeled was by the universityan “extraordinary as development. material metal the Academy of Science, October signed in 2019, focuses for on coating insulation Huawei’s development. and research joint conducting on the Slovak Academy of Science, of Science Material University the Institute Žilina and engagement 5G network in Huawei architecture. concluded has agreement an with to the Chinese governmentlinks to theand potential present a ment of Huawei, which come has under international crossfire due to its dubious entities on academic research well. as Notable include cases the involve those with high-schoolbilingual education the Chinese language. in Ková the CI Mikuláš and between it was madeit of aware was the problematic of the outlets. nature However, recently the since unlikely highly seems published the embassy more there even articles after simply did not of understand these the nature media.However, explanation such an ambassador chose these outlets for publishing, responded the embassystaff theythat published or správy Nové Hlavné in slovo. When questioned about the reason why the ambassador’s and articles as such disinformation, and hoaxes publishing for views known and its media online presence outlets to in catering extremist started support of clearly the embassy served to the ‘normalize’ public in the embassy eyes. presented a a a to gain managed embassy TELLING CHINA’S TELLING

special issue of Trend,special a In the realm of the realm government-to-peopleIn relations, of the media activities the Chinese Moreover, Huawei of gave Education donations amount the total in to the Ministry Huawei cooperates several also technology with applied and science-focused Cooperation Huawei between University and Žilina establishedwas in 2016 Besides the Confucius SlovakInstitutes, universities cooperatewith Chinese

EUR in support of in the WeekEUR of Science Technology and 2016 in

316 balanced and fairly critical view of and fairlybalanced critical China,

STORY SLOVAKIA IN

major business-oriented most of While the issue magazine.

foothold in the mainstream media. In 2018 media.In foothold the mainstream in 315

deeper analysis. Over past years, the embassy has years,deeper has the Over embassy past analysis. Grammar School which Bystrica, offers Banská in č Grammar

media strategy has been evolving has – media strategy 317 320

research cooperation with 314 the publication with the the with publication the č 319 an attendedan the award

security risk security over its

it sponsored

a nd 2017. nd a

op-eds

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China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 60 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence on contentious issues Hong like Kong or Huawei This journalist. by the interviewing obscure in here media, pearances the ambassador actively was questioned pushed and dedicatedthe case in newsof Unlike portal to affairs. EU Trend his previousor ap Shimbun, etc.)Asahi to influencediscourse favor in media of Beijing. 30 than document, about which ‘facts’ the Hong situation in listed Kong, sent was to more on 20,byAugust the Chinese Foreign Ministry 2019. Affairs The Slovak press a releasewas the result of a slovo. Nové mentioned already the was its message public. The only that publishedmedium the press releaseunprompted lished the press release, the resorted embassy to ad purchasing space Trend in to make a 462 by Sina, the news portal later was abusedarticle The for Chinese domestic as republishedpropagandawas it Embassy’s Chinese content.advertising Even the photograph which attached thethearticle was on to a in powers. The embassy reprintedthe piece on its website publishedwas it claiming the protesters of terrorism implied and the protests that were supported by foreign Chinese by Ambassador Lin, Lin to Slovakia. thesigned piece, In again he accused shouldn’t foreigners principle, tems content the form in upholds of op-ed, titled“China an the one country, sys two Trend, in Once again published the embassy advertorial, a an cooperation. China-CEECs presented also Lu Xinhua with a a questions which connected are to towhichmankind, the future destiny of gavehe deeply what world what and in way to build it, andhe thought about other important President the evolution in Jinping, directly Xi standing of history, human pondered cult. ality propaganda. Moreover,external of Jinping exhibited the Xi traits the article person pushed the idea of the “community a of shared destiny” form of cooperation from which the and CEE countries benefit. China both also It op-ed focused by Lin on Lin presenting 17+1 of the Chinese Association of South-South Chairman Lu Xinhua, Cooperation. The included op-ed Chinese by an Ambassador Lin, Lin with interview to Slovakia, an and tolargely spread narrative is unsuccessful. its official receivesand the embassy’s that means pushback It turn in from journalists. limited very the media reach that ofserves to illustrate the Chinesestill is Embassy

similarly wordedsimilarly Slovak none press As media. release to of mainstream these pub clear answer – to answer createclear a

Two out positive their in stand The on articles stance China. Trendissue special The ambassador was also interviewedambassadorThe also thewas by Slovak edition of Euractiv,an online This embassy’s A million active ofmillion users as December 2018. mainstream Slovak magazine and forgot and Slovak magazine to mentionmainstream published it that was as

far morefar problematictimethe at of occurred activity 2019

international mediainternational outlets (e.g. Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, Wall Street Journal, 321 This is best illustrated theillustrated by is best following This quotefrom thearticle: “Chinese

wider coordinated of action the on Chinese Foreign the part Ministry.

activity activity on Hong Kong was preceded an attemptby disseminate to

website the had label a it indicating was 325 a 323

global community of shared destiny.”

part of the popular social network of social the popular Weibopart which had

shortened version of a of version shortened

rather rosy of picture Sino-Slovak relations and

intervene affairs”. its internal articlewas in The 327 The press releasein question to be appears

cooperation a the and BRI as 326

similar document producedsimilar

common trope of Chinese 328

PR article removed.PR article

The original The42-page original

Hong Kong protests. protests. Kong Hong piece of paid-for PR 322 Theinterview

win-win

mission mission 324 - - - -

to provide funding in issueanotherfor 2019,special time requested this but editorial didembassy not have any involvement the editorial process. in The embassy offered one with interview ofan the editors revealed it of the at was the the time journal that somewhat on China’s articles critical Foreign Policy Association (SFPA). of International Issues Slovak and Foreign Policy, a Bratislava provided funding forthe publishing of a the scientificdiscourse In in aboutSlovakia. 2015, China thein Chinese embassy supposed the COVID-19 success handling in (SMER-SD), who a is in China’sto was serve purpose main that which its suggests the report onwith COVID-19. The was letter published language onlyChinese in the It objected also to the newspaper of image in connection the Chinese an flag using of on the Chinese mortality. and nature data infection cases theand untrustworthy the letterother things, thedecried newspaper China’snoting published a COVID-19 subsequent introduction by to U.S. China military. pushed a the account used to spread was disinformation when about of it the origin the virus sy’s providers. network mobile future. the in problematic prove could a already he been implicated business As has ties to China. supporting substantial in bypurchased PPF, investment an group of the Czech oligarch Petr Kellner, who has in both tone dramatically shifted (to morepositive) and topics. Recently, was Markíza project uncovered, when CEFC Czech purchased coverage their media, of China group slovak financial in Penta 2017. privatelythe largest together Slovakia Czecho station in (Markíza) with owned TV to Slovak purchase The media. Chinese companyalready CEFC attempted purchase to the spread of the virus couldthe spread have of the been virus caused by business interests. to medical sell supplies forChina its willingness tothat Slovakia. suggested He also Matovi Minister of SMER-SDand Blaha’s party a as a is not and purchases werefrom aid. China peddled He regular also the idea there that the pandemic, to with deal kia for called and expressions forChina towards of China gratitude sending aid to Slova tion New in York.

pro-China media campaign in Czechia, his access his Czechia, in to a mediapro-China campaign

possibility that the virus originated in thein USAoriginated andwas possibilityvirus deployedthethat China against The recentlyhas Chinese embassy also become active Themedia. on social embas This narrative was was picked narrative This up by China’s also Theattempted embassy to decry Slovak media for their coverage of the Besides the Chinese media, government attempted also has to andshape control However, its reach could be augmentedif investorsChinese the future in manage Twitter accountcreated in was 2020.February biological weapon. biological

narrative about the purported origin of the virus being in the USA being in of about its and origin the virus narrative the purported

pandemic, which the embassy’s in

letterin which it article objectedby an Hospodárske to Noviny.Among č (assumed officeMarch21, on 2020) gratitudeexpress should towards 334 He also used He itPresident also to attack Čaputová forof critical being

regular supporter of China, has been applauding supporter has on of its China, regular China 336 Similar rhetoric Similar spread also by was Robert Fico, chairman 335

fellow member. party According to Fico, Prime new even though most of obtained the medical material 338

329 involvement Europe. Eastern and In Central in Theincludedissue and even several balanced 330 As previous As research by the MapInfluenCE PPF O2, group owns also one of the local

local proxies.local A

crisis and juxtaposed it with the it situa with juxtaposed and crisis

view was anti-Chinese.view was The embassy 331 332 During the COVID-19 During

journal publishedjournal by the Slovak

special China-dedicatedspecial issue

major TV station in Slovakiamajor station in TV

Marxist MP Ľuboš MP Blaha Marxist

domestic propaganda. domestic

lack of transparency lack of transparency 337

pandemic, pandemic, 333 - - - - 61

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 62 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence intersects with the officialintersects with alreadygovernmental level.was As mentioned, Slovakia of academiconly part as cooperation, but on the also business-to-business level which YouthChinese of Commerce. Chamber The second shipment, whichincluded 52,000 by community the local Zhejiangin province.of overseasfrom Chinese Qingtian shipmentstwo were made.shipment, Thefirst 700,000 worth Red Cross version on the Chinese language of the embassy’s issued by which Slovakia, the in Chinese Embassy promoted donations to the Chinese other protective order in materials to ship A them to China. to collect and donations masks the Slovak started to diaspora support the mainland, eration for Overseas Chinese issued a Returned for the compatriots their COVID-19 during China in 25,088 by the Slovak Chinese Youth of Chamber Commerce. Thediaspora members collected a 8 leaving explosion Prešov in early in December, due to which a 3 and Parliament) then and Member activist ofrights Bratislava CityAssembly, currently a 6 incident, the Following it. the incidentDuring several people who were including were hurt, journalists covering of Comenius Universityand memberfuture of the Parliament,Slovak a with tore down even and banners activists, their attacked Osuský,Štefan then Vice-Rector a in Hu. with Theclose talks proximity his issuesgroups in rights two of the resulted of to Gašparovi appealing the aim with abusesrights China in nesetime, flag. the a same At Slovakia. Thein diaspora membersand greeted a with banners waving by Hu Ji,Chinese led the Vice-President by Xingmin of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs Presidentwith Ivan Gašparovi the 2009ing public in rarely participates matters. A Slovakia quite in is the Chinese diaspora invisible Overall, Chinese diaspora. and journal’s the conditional editorial control, on having SFPA declinedin the funding order to protect issue. After grant made the special the embassy the first in of China critical articles embassy’s the in control which would allow it to stop publication content. of any critical change This TOUCHY-FEELY BUSINESS INTERCONNECTIONS

collection to support the victims of the explosion. The call for donations was issued issued was donations for call The explosion. the of victims the support to collection

Another specific aspect theAnotheraspect of specific government-to-people relationship relatesthe to Cooperation the field in andof research development place taking notbeen has active face collecting Similarly in masks was to the Czechia, Chinese diaspora 2019 in to came light again activities Diaspora violent which during clash the Chinese supporters of Hu assaulted the Slovak

euros presented and it to the mayor on December 30, 2019.

people dead 40 and

integrity. visit ofvisit President Hu Jintao to Slovakia. to Coming the official meeting

approach most likely was a

Chinese nationals wereChinese nationals into taken custody by the police.

Slovaks (including Ondrej Dostál, a group of Slovak activists was protesting against human human protestinggroup against was of Slovak activists č

injured, the Chinese diaspora in Slovakia organized injured, Slovakia in organized the Chinese diaspora , President Hu by greeted more 100 was than

notable exception were the events surround events the were exception notable 343

direct consequencedirect of SFPA publishing face masks was organized by the Slovak organized was face masks

call to overseas call Chinese to organize

and 2020.and gas a devastating After

crisis. After the All-China theAll-China After crisis. Fed

residential collapsed building

call to action was also to also action was call website.

RMB, was organized organized was RMB, to raise the human the human č to raise

prominent human human prominent 340 341 Altogether, Altogether,

Member of

339 overseas overseas flagpole. flagpole.

Chi 342 - - -

of Slovakia to be developed under the 17+1 but received official MinisterPrime support who of sawthe asa it by initiated the Slovakwas private sector (blockchain technology start-up Decent) (PPP) at developing aimed blockchain technology. The establishment theof center been established.has Its to is goal increase the number of private-public partnerships governmental of support, as 2019, a avenue of technological cooperation Chinese Slovakand between enterprises with the 17+1 hosting is Europe, especially Czechia. in branch of the J&T J&T Bank, Postal alreadyhad givenNational a Bank blockedwas Slovak and Bank European by Central the Czech (both National Bank tempted much to as purchase a as J&T and Bank the Postal a owned by J&T demonstrated a ant ZTE, Mobile, cooperation in its sister company with Swan Inc. Chinese and telecom gi orderin to develop its theamountwith entire unspecified from network thean as of China collateral Bank Slovakia, the Štvorka network operated by Swan Mobile, undertook a cooperation deservesscrutiny. further The youngest of the four mobile providers in about of somepartners of the Slovak telecom providers. light In of the recent discussions be of recently. importance larger Chinese companies Huawei important are ZTE and center. the with the Technological Universityin Košiceand Slovak Academy of Scienceareinvolved the prestigious Tsinghua Universityand Peking University. From the Slovak side, be. Several Chinese universitieswill the center’s as listed are development its initial in activities to itbe and seen what stage remains its actual

9.9% share. 9.9% By holding J&T shares in Also, cooperation the Chinese telecom industries to in with started sector has 5 G development of risks theand potential involving Chinese companies, the 346

Finance which SE, in Chinese state-owned enterprise holds CITIC 344

Bank, and J&T and Bank, group’s

Virtual TechnologyVirtual Transfer Center. However, not is the only this 4 G network (built with ZTE components). ZTE with (built network G

portfolio) CEFC’s financed Bank. pilot pilot

349 Finance SE, CITIC also has an indirect ownership indirect an of has Finance also SE, CITIC 5 347

Private Investments (a Investments Private G project in Banská Bystrica. Swan Inc. is partially G project Swan Bystrica. Inc. Banská partially in is

The predecessorlegal CEFCof CITIC, Europe, at 50% stake in J&T in 50% stake

green lightgreen to the purchase).

China-CEEC Blockchain Center of Excellence

umbrella. Currently, the center only is

Finance SE,however, the attempt

acquisitions spree across Central

member of the private equity

348 members, including 345 At time, the same

specific initiative initiative specific Moreover, Swan Swan Moreover,

credit of line - - 63

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 64 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence (e.g. government-to-government, people-to-people relations), they have, so far, not been China’s the exception –few of for political goals Hungary which it would to strive obtain exchange, dominant orientation to the European Union’s other country. Europe of its the (still) case bilateral trade In Central limited with China’s on orderthem in to influence challenger its to budge. The effectiveness‘sticks’ of depends use its signaled of case, specific ‘sticks’ China before this In detail. implementedit case. Huawei the with connection etc.). study, of At this of the time the writing ‘sticks’ have not been documented in Prague-Beijing sister cityagreement acknowledging a being Taiwan Tibet renunciation or Taiwan the in Lama, (e.g. of article an the Dalai with meeting actionsofficial (at either governmental or sub-governmental levels or both) relatedto China’s the region.itself in Theuse of is the‘sticks’ predominantlylinked to question of China’s ty-to-party diplomacy) firstalso the onewas to emerge. Theresearch that shows ernment-to-government level since 2000s. level This interactionof (includingpar increasingly been all has four In active thecountries, varies. on China tivity gov foropenings Chinese influence to entertheandthrivein region. economic elites’China’s interest attracting in only China’s country’s the of sidelines the of ‘carrots’ ‘sticks’ and applies only a in specific in reasons, China’s Slovakia, it uses a China, ‘carrots’, while Czechia, which in represents a exclusively ‘carrots’ without the need to apply ‘sticks’. Poland In it employs mainly interactions. From uses China the open Hungary source it in seems that materials differin reactionthe to political and climate, local geopoliticallevelstanding of a and vironment China’s while that shows Conclusions the measure to backfire andthe to measure backfire negativelyChineseaffect companies. inEven Hungary, European countries a and Central and China between exchange applied economic in relations. could This explained by a be China does notChina use a Curiously, while the use of been ‘sticks’ already visible has a in Thecase Prague-Beijing of greateragreement in citysister tactics this reveals researched of domains all active is in relations,China though the level of ac

sovereignty. all documented In China’s instances, backing in the international arena, the damage would the damage the international arena, be in rather small. backing tactics tendtactics towards employing ‘carrots’option the first in establishing as

credibilitycause thewield they to can to themandthedamage potential

intentions, European states’ but political the their Central and and also

mixture of a ‘carrots’ with mixture

strategy to achieve it are similar in all four countries, all to in achieve its tactics strategy it similar are

‘oneall’ fits size approach Europe.Central in Our research

goal ofgoal a establishing

foreign interests. Thus, that it is couldit argued not be

influenceis muted to a

limited way as Beijing waylimited as continues on to remain

recent the increase use of in ‘sticks’. For

attention whichis helping to provide

state with a with state

friendly (or friendlier) at least en

internal market and – with market –with and internal

relatively modest economic economic modest relatively harsh reactions came after reactions after harsh came

level where the notion notion the where level

tradition of opposing tradition

strong potential for for potential strong number of domains domains of number

part of China, of China, part - - - - relations. tends a in China to retaliate domain where the ‘offense’from, came i.e.the level of government-to-government were announced by rather politicians local then Chinese side. the cases ‘sticks’ in both that the the first place, fact also and in materialized having problematic of of these kind nature ‘sticks’ the questionable is probability the of deals Czech Senate to Taiwan allegedly halted was dueCzech airplanes to a thenLama President after thekia with Dalai Kiska met a when deals economic impending or Taiwan (yet, does not the list include issues). rights human to said is block China blocked or economic halted connection in deals to ‘sensitive issues’ Tibet such as a follow to seem relations economic and political follow, the critique itself does not seem toeconomic affect case, this relations.In European Union. official reactions While fromChinese almost embassies inevitably notare accompanied the deeds position the critique if and with with line in is of the a as theand US. TheEU membermorefar investors.also are important countries China’s proxies themselves would the sure Senate make President would from any refrain notthe the was assumption the based that visit canceled. if on was tactics China The used a handedThe was letter over by the Officeof theCzech President. case, this In Beijing to the latebassy President of the Czech Senate to prevent Taiwan. from visiting him of the Chinesebehalf Embassy, shown of as the case a in China’s of result of the positioning of domestic a political actors rather than hypothetically, out we option rule some an cannot that might have threats been the divestment and Czech from soccer Slavia airport the main club).against So, at least when the Czech President announced China’s Miloš Zeman of the impacts China’s assess critically The of activities domestic theplayersin effort to scrutiny deserve describe equal and China’s who and effectivelythe country also shape China’s are onefigures thedriving forcesof through which China’s of political proxies.activities local It leads to a (including e.g. those at the people-to-people or company-to-people level). the Chinese government that the claim ports of influencesaspects foreignall relations again by the Czech politicalagain interlocutors. Perhaps paradoxically, interlocutors local Chinesetations surrounding investment (including specific numbers) announcedwere action provoking seen as China.

Indeed, some were threats communicated by actors, local not itself (e.g. China The evaluation yieldedof ‘sticks’ is complicated by China theandexistenceby ofAlso, the means coercion have not the same in been to limited retaliation Theremay be, however, a research showsOur perhaps that, surprisingly, ‘sticks’ seem less likely to be used It notable, also is of some case that Czechia, in ‘carrots’ the form in of public expec follow-up to a to follow-up

threat ofthreat detriment potential caused to Czech local companies in operating

economic comparison presence in limited to of the importance the EU still is actions which lead to China’s

intentions. Yet were other threats communicated by proxies the same on

critique of record, the rights Chinese human the words if especially 351 . Though cases touch both upon Tibet or issues,the Taiwan

few recorded exceptions, when it China seems that

Chinese investor allegedly lost interest in Slova

number of other domains. other of number

public diplomacy ‘achievements’ or ‘failures’. ‘sticks’ and ‘carrots’. and ‘sticks’

principal-agent problem, when domestic domestic when problem, principal-agent

planned trip ofplanned trip the President of the

different rationale. different

image. It thus is not exclusively 350 or when a when or

letter sent from the em the from sent letter influenceexercisedis in 352

probable retaliation retaliation probable

353 true representation representation true This finding sup finding This

deal concerning concerning deal - - - - 65

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 66 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence declared core interests. With the exception of Hungary, where the Chinese Embassy attempted to theshape publicanddiscourse media issuesandon related its to China noticing. worth is diaspora Even before the coronavirus epidemic, Chinese embassies China’s lated the official with merchandise.Especially COVID-19 media or influencers social as as individualpromotionwell journalists of China-re promotion of government-sponsored scholarships, cooperation media local and with Chinese presence such means, as various through Europe expanded Central has in possible impact on enabling shaping and China-related uncritical academic debates. number in have grown despite also Institutes related international criticism to their discrepancies of terms workings in their roles and PRC’s in (whichorganizations should, however, not “counterparts”, their be called given the communication have organizations different maintained ernmental with Chinese different in well multilaterally as as erally and formats non-profitlocal and non-gov China’s ing China watching communities and journalists. havemunicipalities. domain its activities gone this In largely unnoticed by the local level, the increasing number and establishing regions of with and partnerships Orbán’s of the and golden railway grade show. program visa Either way, the political proximity close to the government, the examples as of the of reconstruction the Budapest-Bel Chinese companieswith creates business for interest opportunities groups Hungarian levelEU political state. supportcooperation fromThird, potential and another illiberal funds. Second,Orbán enjoysclose relations to Beijingas it offershim leverage at the the impendingof decrease Chinese of investment structural EU against especially disappointments believes over the potential years, nine in PM still Orbán the past bolstered findings. these more cautious or even approach hostile towards China. the parliament in for showChina parties decades, a while other mainstream haps surprisingly, Fidesz members party usedof to be the ruling fierce opponents of Viktor the proactive is Orbán. Per of Minister eagernessHungary Prime on the part senior well upcoming as as of politicians leading both opposition and parties. Party, been party-to-partyin has activethat and people-to-people relations, cultivating ofsometimes the Chinese its through Department Communist International Liaison liver upon. other forms Still of ‘carrots’ were clearly offeredand promoted by China, a vision of unrealistic an bylargely selling contributed China to against the backlash their presence in mainstream ones. presencetheir cooperationmedia the This in mainstream form in supplements,of European countries combined attempts media outlets rather with fringe increaseto already positiveseen as Central the Chinese embassies on the China, remaining in does not feel urge media the where and local to an with deal the public discourse is

substantial upgrade of economicsubstantial Beijing ties that could not (or did not to) want de – but not widely necessarily enough publicized researchedand – component of Similarly to the one Czechia, situation in of the sources of China’s When it comes to government-to-people cooperation over fifteen years, the past general,In people-to-people interactions have evolv been the most dynamically become shows research has also Our China active that at a

activities whichactivities attempt influencetarget to Chinese the also and media local activity in thein countries.Visegrád activity Academic exchangehas developed bilat

government to the reality Beijing likely remain forthe will to come.years 355 Three possible Three emerge.explanations theFirst, despite all 354

political system). Confucius Research interviews have

epidemic, the increase in

sub-governmental sub-governmental

influencein

much much ------against Warsaw,against they Poland would harm a hardly in cooperation even sothat limited Beijing if remains wanted to use specific measures Poland. scope of Sino-Polish the On other against from the actual hand, sticks using Perhaps, Warsaw’s Huawei’s limiting of forms of cooperationcertain Warsaw between Beijing, and most notably terms in enjoyed close very the US, ties with impacted Sino-American has rivalry strategic by the general deterioration of Beijing ties between Washington. and Poland As has at the level of political declarations when Sino-Polish to be influenced ties started perhaps most visible of the case Poland. in Some elements of coercion became visible the US, influencethe context.overall influence The of the is Sino-Americanrivalry a excluding if the companybear from 5G networks may represent a ever, the recent of case Huawei on analysis alleged sponsoring Czechia costs would an receives and limited mediatheir reach still is a to point important is out despite that numerous attempts theby Chinese entities, contributed languages local tobroadcasting in shape China’s content agreements the and increased sharing presence Radio of International China (or a (or fromwhich criticism met the Chinese with side. has companies seem not to publicly invest attempt an in improveto China’s the perception of Chinese investments the and reputation of other Chinese firms, Poland Hungary, and while where Czechia, in negatively the CEFC scandal affected especially Czechia in and Slovakia.

vacuum, as relations between China and the and other relations powers,vacuum, as China andthe between EU specifically However, mostly from refrained has the sticks Czech using in China case, unlike Finally, the Europe relations do in the Central not between and China exist of the case In Chinese companies’ relations, seem Chinesein mostly firms active

threat thereof) in its relations in Poland thereof) threat with when bilateral ties were strained.

close Washington with ties a serve as

potential involvementpotential the creation in of Polish 5G networks,

significant pushbacksignificant from journalists,

significant way. significant

factor deterring Beijing deterring factor

image. Nonetheless it it Nonetheless image.

new turning point. turning new

image. How image. - 67

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 68 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence channels. Such efforts assist in bolstering CCP legitimacy and Suchunderminethein bolstering integritychannels. CCP assist efforts legitimacy tive platforms fordiplomacy, conducting party thus avoiding government-level regular record.including track rights its human should strategies China be aware of the both economic political and realities of China, measurable objectivesthe to achieve specify and means these objectives.Countries’ come coherent own their up with and contain clear which strategies will China effectiveness theirpolicies of After the audit, towardsthe China. countries should to evaluaterelations the role China with of individual government agencies the and values. and norms global to commitment the conversations in rights human showcase the countries can China, with their issues, without economic the fear of high experiencing Moreover, costs. by including should discussions, not to including critical engage in be afraid those on rights human over has advantage 17+1 China the asymmetry the 17+1active within power European vis-à-vis countries should Central bargaining China. be more also jointthrough EU-wide efforts a to ensure relations recent multilateral well in as as bilateral years.should This also be achieved have that become politicaland barriers into evident account in taking the structural objectivesto their make to China more while yet also not realistic, opportunistic, evenChinese to state the slightest eliminate chances of misconduct. and European Union the Hungarian between business should transactions scrutinize investment, in be placed public and loans on transparency procurement issues. The case the specific In of Sino-Hungarian China. relations a with remind and it ofHungary economic reality. Europeans. More intensive communication strategic smart and should target also increasetheimportant to it self-awareness fundamentally is and self-esteem of benefits, economic of promises and superiority economic perceived its from springs of the EU, its values its and economic of the major might. As Chinese influence part across Europemation of aware PR and campaigns to its the citizens benefits make Recommendations byists, salient especially in Czechia, is worrisome. is Czechia, in salient especially byists, The revolving-doorsrules should coherenceand of the respective governments’ foreign policies. First, after the epidemic,First,coronavirus after the European Union shouldinfor initiate The set of recommendations forthe rathercountriesstraightforward: is Visegrád Seventh, the trend of former politicians finding employment as pro-China lob pro-China as employment finding politicians former of trend the Seventh, the Visegrád countries shouldSixth, avoid alterna the CCP creating in assisting and Fifth, Czechia, Poland,Slovakia should Hungary conductan audit their of Fourth, due to a the Third, European countries fourCentral need to theirrecalibrate approach Second, higher should levels of be employed transparency fields all in of relations

low economic dependence on China, Central European countries countries European Central China, on dependence economic low

platform, push and for common interests EU thus mitigating

greater European increase impact and in

as well as smaller EU member EU well smaller as as states.

special emphasisspecial should - - - governmental level, going unnoticed. The 17+1 the fieldin andof research development,thewith occasionally official intersecting CCP. and military Moreover, of the case Slovakia as shows, been there cooperation has into accountentities taking while possible also of Chinese companies linkage to the Universities need to increased due undertake diligence when Chinese with dealing generations future undueing to influence.of experts Chinese governmental China be pushed towill rely on of ChineseChina-focused financing subjects thus open support the education universities otherwise of home-grown their experts, China goescountries largely China and European unnoticed. governments Central should mechanisms. a media as ering of Chinese investment, but actors because well) of as other to keep malign consid ofcase Chinese investment the media sector. in (not It thus is crucial only because influencerád countries this as should could in the augmentthe vigilant stay in future of proxies’ involvement spreadinginspiration. in Chinesean influence,as serve can the Chinese modus employing in operandi ‘sticks’ ‘carrots’ and coverage detailed and number the highest with of documented enabling conclusions cases to be reached on benefits,andthe potential risks side effects of Thecase, cooperationChina. Czech with and regional governments would complement the countries’ strategies. overall China which would provide overview an of (un)suitable approaches for towards China local the CCP its and legitimize cadres domestically.guidelines The for paradiplomacy municipalities self-governing and regions serve rely to on which activities turn in levels communities. local watching ofthe media China and With success, varying powers. foreign of gain the for networks and be reviewed for the potential to limit of misuse former politicians’ political access sector, serve as a sector, as serve or the China-CEEC Blockchain Center of Excellence, by initiated the Slovak private Finally, the exception with of Czechia, the academic cooperation Visegrád between Tenth, despite China’s Ninth, support for public raising independent in awareness crucial is of journalism Eighth, of many at the sub-national the activities level have gone unnoticed by

useful example. useful strategic asset and to and subject asset strategic it to investment national screening

current media strategy being unsuccessful, the being unsuccessful, four media strategy current Viseg

Virtual TechnologyVirtual Transfer Center - - - 69

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence

Authors of Asian Studiesof (CEIAS) Asian Bratislava, Slovakia. in Šimalčík Matej (AMO),International Affairs Czechia. Europe Eastern (CHOICE) and Central servers in at Association for Filip Šebok European CenterEastern for Studies, Hungary. Asian versity of andtheBudapest Presidentfounding and theof Central Tamás Matura Kingdom. United (TRAG), Group Advisory Studiesof (CEIAS), Asian a Slovakia,and Kelemen Barbara (AMO), Czechia. projects a and Europe (CHOICE) Eastern and enCE Observers Central in China and Ivana Karásková Academy of Sciences’ Graduate School for Research Social (GSSR). Universityin Warsaw, Poland. a also Sheis Alicja Bachulska is a is

Research Fellow at Association for International Affairs Affairs International for Association at Fellow Research is an Executive Director at Central European Institute Executive an is European Director Institute at Central

, dr. jur., Professor Assistant an Uni is at Corvinus Research Fellow Project Ob and of Manager China is a is , Ph.D., a is is a is

China analyst at Asia Research at Asia Center, analyst China War Studies

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Ph.D. candidate at the Polish Research Associate at Risk Research at Associate Risk - - - 71

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence

#MapinfluenCE a (AMO), Temps, Le Zeitung, Radio Free Europe, etc. PoliticoAllgemeine Influence, Brussels Zeitung, Diplomat, Frankfurter Neue Zürcher Times, Times,Financial Wall Digital Sydney Street China Journal, Morning Herald, or werearticles quoted numerous in well international media including as as local fivein (English,different Czech, languages and Slovak),Polish,Hungarian, authored agenda-setting,theon drawing project’s the region, who later conducted on and analyses of the media image China similar outside and NGOs and within both tankers of think tone journalists, inspired and of US Congressmen Senators. and approach The original of MapInfluenCE set the and vulnerability of presentedmedia, the at European Parliament or to a Commission’s press, mentionedand Australian e.g. in the US-China Economic and Security Review region Europe. of Central MapInfluenCEfindings were widely quoted inEuropean, US well public as as shapesand debates expert on China’s well closedas as door events briefingsand stakeholders),of MapInfluenCE broadens 30 Parliaments the past during the Czech Hungarian and positions of political political parties’ in in local elites, on changes analysis China an the mapping of agenda-setters businessmen between pro-China and to links reveal to uncoveranalysis who discourse shapes the Visegrád countries in why,and China Slovakia. and Hungary Poland, Czechia, ChinfluenCE) project, whichmaps China’s MapInfluenCE About FOLLOW US! MapInfluenCEis designed therun Associationforandby forAffairs International publishedhas Theinternational team morethan 20 a Through The internationally acclaimed project has utilized various various tools Theinternationallysuchas acclaimed media project utilized has The publicationthe MapInfluenCEwithin was prepared (previously as known www.mapinfluence.eu

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China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence

on international affairs with special special focus with on Czech onforeignpolicy. international affairs of goal the Researchmain Center systematic is observation, commentary and analysis public and politicalcurrent issues encourages and expert debate on related topics. The activeit approach an supports to foreign policy, provides independent an of analysis think-tank, which not is boundor toideology. any political party With activities, its The ResearchCenter theAssociationof isa forAffairs International → → → → → → → policy. foreign and relations international establishedhas the Czech itself as leading independent the field in institution of thein to Czech activities its RepublicThanks and abroadand 20-yeartradition,AMO through a of international affairs founded 1997. in Themission AMO been has to of contribute to a Associationis a for International Affairs AMO About AMO RESEARCH CENTER RESEARCH AMO TO: STRIVES ITS GOALS TO AMO ACHIEVE ORDER IN FOLLOW US!

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14 13 12 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Footnotes 11 10 9 Ocon a “Obchodní

“Fischer na Expo do Šanghaje nejel, podle Číňanů by ho nepřijal ani starosta”, MF Dnes, May 18, May Dnes, MF starosta”, ani by ho nepřijal Číňanů podle nejel, do Šanghaje Expo na “Fischer ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/1147149-necas-podpora-dalajlamismu-skodi-ceskemu-exportu content/uploads/2019/03/AMO_Images-of-China-in-the-Czech-and-Hungarian-Parliaments.pdf (AMO), 2019, Affairs for International Association Prague: Parliaments. encyklopedie_statu-asie-cina-ekonomika-ekonomicka_charakteristika_zeme.html https://www.mzv.cz/ekonomika/cz/servis_exporterum/teritorialni_informace/-mzv-publish-cz- neprijal-ani-starosta.A100518_144947_domaci_abr 2010, going-to-beijing-after-olympics-opening-ceremony 16, July 2008, Radio, Czech schwarzenberg.A080409_173706_zahranicni_jte https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/zahranicni/zahajeni-oh-v-pekingu-by-se-melo-bojkotovat-vyzval- 2018). (ETNC, al. et Rühlig Nicholas Tim ed. relations, Europe-China in values Cinou-424118 https://www.parlamentnilisty.cz/politika/politici-volicum/Jiri-Paroubek-Strategicke-partnerstvi-s- 17+1. as known been 2019, has in Greece platform the region. the in yet)documented (perhaps been have not which etc.) boycotts consumer academia, influence to organizations student using of scholars, harassment aid, foreign as (such globally means other use to known been has China by China. yielded of tools kinds all summarize would which list exhaustive clear. involvedis less and public). the to However, defined is public how relate the they (because diplomacy (public) people as conceptualized be can pair remaining the while diplomacy traditional represent forms two former the that (4) and (3) claiming government-to-people, people-to-people 1994). Press, Oxford University UK: (Oxford, Influence www.mapinfluence.eu chinese-foreign-ministries-118929/ 29,April 2014, “Statement by the Czech and Chinese foreign ministries”, The Government of the Czech Republic, Republic, the Czech of Government The ministries”, foreign Chinese and Czech by the “Statement “Ne “Zahájení OH v “Zahájení Republic’s Czech “The Fürst, Rudolf s partnerství “Strategické Paroubek, Jiří 16 comprised originally The format an is by no means It theregion. in and ‘carrots’ of ‘sticks’ examples known table documents The (2) diplomat-to-diplomat, (1) government-to-government, relations: of types four outlines Manheim The Evolution of Policy: Foreign American and Diplomacy Public Strategic Manheim, B. Jarol in 2017-2020.ChinfluenCE as visit known website theproject been For has The project Ian Willoughby, “Czech PM Announces he is Going to Beijing – After Olympics Opening Ceremony”, Opening Olympics –After Beijing to Going he is Announces PM Willoughby, “Czech Ian Ivana Karásková, Alžběta Bajerová, Tamás Matura. Images of China in the Czech and Hungarian Hungarian and Czech the in of China Images Matura. Tamás Bajerová, Alžběta Karásková, Ivana č as: Podpora dalajlamismu škodí č škodí dalajlamismu Podpora as: https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/fischer-na-expo-do-sanghaje-nejel-podle-cinanu-by-ho-

ekonomická spolupráce s spolupráce ekonomická . https://www.vlada.cz/en/media-centrum/aktualne/statement-by-the-czech-and-

Pekingu by se mělo bojkotovat, vyzval Schwarzenberg”, MF Dnes, April 8, 2008, April Dnes, MF Schwarzenberg”, vyzval bojkotovat, mělo by se Pekingu https://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/czech-pm-announces-he-is-

Central and Eastern European countries. Since the inclusion of inclusion the Since countries. European Eastern and Central values-based policy towards China reconsidered”, in Political reconsidered”, Political in China towards policy values-based eskému exportu”, ČT24, September 10, ČT24, 2012, September exportu”, eskému

ČR”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of Affairs, Foreign ČR”, Ministry

Čínou”, Parlamentní Listy, March 1, 2016, Listy,March Čínou”, Parlamentní . . .

http://www.amo.cz/wp-

t :/ 24. t s://c p htt .

. . 77

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 78 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 30

Author’s

“Varování NÚKIB před používáním softwaru i softwaru používáním před NÚKIB “Varování Europe”, New The Central in Influence Chinese on Discourse Misguided “The Matura, Tamás Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana Ivana Karásková, “Czechia and China on a China and “Czechia Karásková, Ivana Beijing-Prague (Hainan Airlines), Shanghai (Xi’an)-Prague (China Eastern Airlines), Chengdu-Prague Chengdu-Prague Airlines), Eastern (China (Xi’an)-Prague Shanghai Airlines), (Hainan Beijing-Prague huawei-a-zte-je-bezpecnostni-hrozbou/ 2018, a Ltd., https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/clanek/jurecka-cina-mi-zrusila-planovanou-cestu-40013470 cinitelu-cr-po-navsteve-dala/r~40bf60169aed11e6af6e002590604f2e/ 25, 2016, October Aktuálně, course/ 19, (CHOICE), September 2019,Europe china/chinese-fdi-in-europe-2018 Group, 2019. Rhodium and MERICS policies, screening new chinese-influence-in-central-europe/ 4, 2019, October Federalist, cefc-1357777 https://www.e15.cz/domaci/citic-group-dokoncila-prevzeti-nejvetsiho-cinskeho-investora-v-cesku- 17 Journal Europe Asia advisor-2/ 2018, (Sichuan Airlines) chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics borrowing-in-china-idUSKBN1CN1CI 2017, chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics v a as by China used a navstevy-prezidenta-cinske-lidove-republiky-v-ceske-republice-12562 tiskove-zpravy/aktualni-tiskove-zpravy/ekonomicke-dohody-podepsane-pri-prilezitosti-statni- “CITIC Group dokon Group “CITIC Jeremy Garlick, “China’s president’s the Czech of case curious “The Karásková, Ivana “Ekonomické dohody podepsané při příležitosti státní návštěvy prezidenta Čínské lidové republiky republiky lidové Čínské prezidenta návštěvy státní příležitosti při podepsané dohody “Ekonomické haveconcluded to 2011) (in Poland after region the in country second the only was Czechia “Doufáme, že dodržíte sliby, reaguje Peking na prohlášení č prohlášení na Peking sliby, reaguje dodržíte že “Doufáme, “Jure Michael Kahn, “Czech finance firm banks on bumper borrowing in China”, Reuters, October 18, October China”,Reuters, in borrowing bumper on banks firm finance “Czech Kahn, Michael Thilo Haneman, Mikko Huotari and Agatha Kratz. Chinese FDI in Europe: 2018 in Europe: FDI Chinese Kratz. Agatha and Huotari Mikko Haneman, Thilo

strategic partnership with China. The complicated set of official designations of relationships is relationships of designations of official set complicated The China. with partnership strategic České republice”, Office of the Czech President, March March 30, 2016, President, Czech republice”,the České of Office č https://www.reuters.com/article/us-czech-home-credit/czech-finance-firm-banks-on-bumper- https://www.govcert.cz/cs/informacni-servis/hrozby/2680-software-i-hardware-spolecnosti- http://www.amo.cz/en/mapinfluence-en/the-curious-case-of-the-czech-presidents-missing- ka: Čína mi zrušila plánovanou cestu”, Novinky, November 1, 2016, Novinky, cestu”, November plánovanou zrušila mi Čína ka:

ZTE Corporation”, Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency, December 17, Agency, December Security Information and Cyber National Czech Corporation”, ZTE .

interview [anonymity requested], Prague, 2018. Prague, requested], [anonymity interview . .

way to rank the importance of its respective bilateral relationships. relationships. bilateral respective of its importance the rank to way č . . ila převzetí největšího č největšího převzetí ila

Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence. (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence.

(2019).

principal–agent problem in the Czech Republic: the curious case of CEFC”, case curious the Republic: Czech the problem in principal–agent http://www.amo.cz/cs/mapinfluence/the-misguided-discourse-on- https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/cina-vzala-na-vedomi-prohlaseni- . . . https://chinaobservers.eu/czechia-and-china-on-a-collision- .

collision course”, China Observers in Central and Eastern Eastern and Central in Observers course”, China collision ínského investora v investora ínského

hardwaru spole hardwaru eských politiků kvůli dalajlámovi”, dalajlámovi”, kvůli politiků eských

missing advisor”, EU Observer, March 9, March Observer, EU advisor”, missing https://www.merics.org/en/papers-on- č ností Huawei Technologies Co., Co., Technologies Huawei ností

https://www.hrad.cz/cs/pro-media/ Česku CEFC”, E15, April 4, 2019, April E15, CEFC”, Česku . . č č ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík. ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík.

trends and impact of impact and trends

46 45 44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 34 33 32 31

Ibid.

“Tiskový briefing předsedy Senátu Miloše Vystr Miloše Senátu předsedy briefing “Tiskový The Chinese majority owner Sinobo has remained silent on the alleged divestment plans. According According plans. divestment alleged the silent on remained has Sinobo owner majority Chinese The “Česko nemůže Číně humanitárně pomoci, zásoby potřebuje pro sebe, uvedl Babiš”, uvedl Novinky, pro sebe, potřebuje zásoby pomoci, humanitárně Číně nemůže “Česko “Případný úbytek č úbytek “Případný Ivana Karásková, “Czechia and China on a China and “Czechia Karásková, Ivana “Zeman: Jestli pojede Kubera na Tchaj-wan, už není můj přítel”, není 28, Tchaj-wan, Novinky, už November na 2019, Kubera pojede Jestli “Zeman: Ondřej Kundra, Tomáš Brolín, “Čína zatrhla přímou leteckou linku z linku leteckou přímou zatrhla “Čína Tomáš Brolín, Kundra, Ondřej i Čína Tchaj-wanu chtěla zástupce Odchod přitakávat.’ “‘Nemusíme “Česká republika odeslala materiální pomoc Číně k Číně pomoc materiální odeslala republika “Česká zasoby-potrebuje-pro-sebe-uvedl-babis-40311947 2020, 1, February cinitelu-k-zahranicni-politice-15323#from-list https://www.hrad.cz/cs/pro-media/tiskove-zpravy/aktualni-tiskove-zpravy/setkani-ustavnich- https://www.senat.cz/informace/galerie/videogalerie/video.php?id=636 pdf 26,November 2019, dopis-kuberovi-u-cinske-ambasady-ho-objednal-hradni-kancler-mynar/ 30, 2020, N, March Deník Mynář”, kancléř hradní tchaj-wanu-budete-platit-kubera-si-z-hradu-prine/r~3602b9ba51a711eaa5e40cc47ab5f122/ 19, 2020,February Aktuálně, od Číny”, výhrůžky pritel-40305312 https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/clanek/zeman-jestli-pojede-kubera-na-tchaj-wan-uz-neni-muj- turistika.A191010_120216_ekonomika_svob 10, 2019, from 77,000 prahy 2020, 22, January jak-se-cina-chova-k-cesku/ 2019, 12, N, September https://neovlivni.cz/o-cinske-penize-slavia-prijde-ale-ne-kvuli-hribovi/ “O Slonková, Sabina See CEFC. of the downfall after country the in investments of Chinese image the save to decision a was investment the beginning the from that was controversy.reason The a to novakova-cina-velvyslanec-diplomacie-pirati_1903311327_gak 2019, 31, March Radio, Czech course/ 19, (CHOICE), September 2019,Europe zpravy/x2020_02_13_ceska_republika_odeslala_materialni.htmll 13, 2020, February Republic, Czech of the Lukáš Valášek, Helena Truchlá, “‘Za návštěvu Tchaj-wanu budete platit.’ Kubera si z si Kubera Tchaj-wanu platit.’ budete návštěvu “‘Za Truchlá, Helena Valášek, Lukáš a zastrašování “Šikana, Zelenka, Jakub Jakub Zelenka, Lukáš Prchal, “Jak vznikl výhrůžný dopis Kuberovi: U Kuberovi: dopis výhrůžný vznikl “Jak Prchal, Lukáš Zelenka, Jakub According to statistics provided by Prague Airport, the number of passengers on the route decreased decreased route on the of passengers number the Airport, by Prague provided statistics to According “Prezident republiky přijal ústavní č ústavní přijal republiky “Prezident “Annual Report of the Security Information Service for 2018”, Czech Security Information Service, Service, Information for 2018”,Security Service Czech Information Security of the Report “Annual .

Czech investigative report, Sinobo was planning to sell its assets, but not due to the sister cities cities sister due not but the to assets, its sell to planning was Sinobo report, investigative Czech . . https://www.idnes.cz/ekonomika/domaci/cina-praha-peking-sesterska-smlouva-turismus-

in 2017 in . https://www.novinky.cz/domaci/clanek/cesko-nemuze-cine-humanitarne-pomoci- https://www.respekt.cz/politika/cina-zatrhla-primou-leteckou-linku-z-pekingu-do- ínských turistů nemusí Prahu poškodit, byť utratí miliardy”, MF Dnes, October October Dnes, MF miliardy”, utratí byť poškodit, Prahu nemusí turistů ínských

https://www.bis.cz/public/site/bis.cz/content/vyrocni-zpravy/en/ar2018en.pdf.

to 63,000 č ínské peníze Slavie přijde. Ale ne kvůli Hřibovi”, Neovlivní.cz, October 16, 2019, October Neovlivní.cz, Hřibovi”, ne kvůli Ale přijde. Slavie peníze ínské https://denikn.cz/195533/sikana-zastrasovani-a-trestani-diplomate-popisuji- . https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/zdenek-hrib-tchaj-wan-marta-

in 2019. in initele ČR”, Office of the Czech President, March 11, 2020,March President, ČR”,Czech the of Office initele

trestání. Diplomaté popisují, jak se Čína chová k chová Čína se jak popisují, Diplomaté trestání. https://chinaobservers.eu/czechia-and-china-on-a-collision- https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/udalosti_a_media/tiskove_

collision course”, China Observers in Central and Eastern Eastern and Central in Observers course”, China collision . . č https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/za-navstevu- ila”, Senate of the Czech Republic, March 12, 2020, 12, March Republic, Czech of the ila”, Senate . https://denikn.cz/329631/jak-vznikl-vyhruzny-

boji s boji

koronavirem”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Affairs Foreign koronavirem”, Ministry .

na setkání s setkání na .

Pekingu do Prahy”, Respekt, Respekt, do Prahy”, Pekingu

č ínské ambasády ho objednal objednal ho ambasády ínské . . .

short-term emergency

Hřibem, ten odmítl”, odmítl”, ten Hřibem,

Hradu přinesl přinesl Hradu

Česku”, Deník Česku”, Deník . 79

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 80 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 63 62 61 60 59 58 57 56 55 54 53 52 51 50 49 48 47

Ibid.

“780

Author’s “

Lukáš Valášek, “Vláda vítala zásilky z zásilky vítala “Vláda Valášek, Lukáš Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana Ondřej Koutník, “Operace Čína: Roušky mohly být dřív, ale Vojtěch je nezvládl zaplatit”, Seznam, Seznam, zaplatit”, dřív,ale je nezvládl být mohly Roušky Vojtěch Čína: “Operace Koutník, Ondřej “Babiš po schůzce v schůzce po “Babiš Keegan Elmer, “Why the ‘honeymoon is over’ between the Czech Republic and China”, South China China South China”, and Republic Czech the between over’ is ‘honeymoon the “Why Elmer, Keegan “Kancléř Mynář odletěl do Číny. Vláda o do Číny. Vláda odletěl Mynář “Kancléř Ondřej Kundra, “Čínský velvyslanec si stěžoval na spolupráci s spolupráci na stěžoval si velvyslanec “Čínský Kundra, Ondřej KyRChoAarI2ycuvBeEtFSFT6YkqNHR1LhK-8Pp539RE0 ceske-firmy-o-pomoc-doted/r~2c44088c6ea011eaa7deac1f6b220ee8/?fbclid=IwAR15GmylyZkbMNE 27, March 2020, Aktuálně, cine-zadarmo-ona-nam-za-miliardy-je-to-jen-obchod-a-propaganda-varuji-odbornici/ 26, 2020, March odborníci”, EurActiv, babis-premier-koronavirus-cina-ochranne-pomucky_2003202028_cha 20, 2020, March Radio, Czech V200319_185722_idnestv_vov 19, 2020, darebaky-ale-srovnali-jsme-vztahy-s-cinou-94119 19, March 2020, Seznam, 2020, 22, logisticke-akce-93854 17,March 2020, why-honeymoon-over-between-czech-republic-and-china 18, 2020, January Post, Morning peking-cinsky-vicepremier-chu-cchun-chuem.A200227_153216_domaci_lre 2020, logisticke-akce-93854 17,March 2020, koronavirus-humanitarni-pomoc_2003010647_dok 2020, 1, March Čínu”, Radio, Czech chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics dGqsnHRP7Wf_e4xhRPsPpS3yNOLk na-spolupraci-s-tchaj-wanem-kvuli-koronaviru?fbclid=IwAR3AAShGirdt32CqBNQaIajj25Qd9q- 4, 2020, April Respekt, http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/14/c_138877453.htm Ondřej Koutník, “Mynář o “Mynář Koutník, Ondřej “China shares experience in fighting COVID-19 fighting in experience shares “China Ondřej Koutník, “Operace Čína: Roušky mohly být dřív, ale Vojtěch je nezvládl zaplatit”, Seznam, Seznam, zaplatit”, dřív,ale je nezvládl být mohly Roušky Vojtěch Čína: “Operace Koutník, Ondřej Lukáš Hendrych, “My Číně zadarmo, ona nám za miliardy. Je to jen obchod a obchod Je jen to miliardy. za nám ona zadarmo, Číně “My Hendrych, Lukáš “Čína nám jediná pomohla, řekl Zeman. Ocenil dobrovolníky, kritizoval opozici”, MF Dnes, March March Dnes, opozici”, MF dobrovolníky,kritizoval Ocenil Zeman. řekl pomohla, jediná nám “Čína Ibid. 张建敏大使出席捷克自中国采购防疫物资运抵仪式

tisíc párů rukavic, 43 rukavic, párů tisíc https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/kancler-prezidenta-milos-zeman-vratislav-mynar-cina-

https://www.idnes.cz/podcasty/koronavirus-pandemie-milos-zeman-projev-prezident. interview [anonymity requested], Prague, 2019. Prague, requested], [anonymity interview http://www.chinaembassy.cz/chn/zxdt/t1759550.htm https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/operace-cinska-rouska-za-kulisy-obri- https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/operace-cinska-rouska-za-kulisy-obri-

Lánech ocenil Zemanovy kontakty v kontakty Zemanovy ocenil Lánech . . .

Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence. https://www.respekt.cz/agenda/respekt-cinsky-velvyslanec-si-stezoval- https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/mynar-o-tajne-vyprave-meli-nas-za-

tisíc respirátorů. Z respirátorů. tisíc https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/vlada-vitala-zasilky-z-ciny-mnohe- tajné výpravě: Měli nás za darebáky, ale srovnali jsme vztahy s vztahy jsme srovnali ale darebáky, za nás Měli výpravě: tajné https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/milos-zeman-prezident-andrej- . https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3046608/ https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/respirator-cina-letadlo-

Číny. o Nás https://euractiv.cz/section/evropska-unie-a-svet/news/my- .

tom nevěděla, říká premiér Babiš”, MF Dnes, February 27, February Babiš”, Dnes, MF premiér říká tom nevěděla,

Prahy odletěl speciál se zdravotnickým materiálem pro materiálem zdravotnickým se speciál odletěl Prahy

with CEE countries”, Xinhua, March 14, 2020, March Xinhua, countries”, CEE with

pomoc nežádá, stěžují si výrobci masek a obleků“, masek výrobci si stěžují nežádá, pomoc . ”, Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, March March Republic, Czech the in Embassy ”, Chinese .

Číně, Česku podle něj nyní pomáhají”, pomáhají”, nyní něj podle Česku Číně, . . .

Tchaj-wanem kvůli koronaviru”, koronaviru”, kvůli Tchaj-wanem . č . ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík.

. propaganda, varují varují propaganda, .

Čínou”, Čínou”,

71 70 69 68 67 66 65 64 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73 72

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Author’s “

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Janek Kroupa, Zdislava Pokorná, “Čína lovila č lovila “Čína Pokorná, Zdislava Kroupa, Janek Jakub Zelenka, “Paroubek: O “Paroubek: Zelenka, Jakub Ivana Karásková, Alžběta Bajerová, Tamás Matura. Images of China in the Czech and Hungarian Hungarian and Czech the in of China Images Matura. Tamás Bajerová, Alžběta Karásková, Ivana Alan Crawford, Patricia Suzara, “Riding China’s “Riding Suzara, Patricia Crawford, Alan “CPC praised by foreign parties over sharing China’s over sharing parties by foreign praised “CPC China’s Szunom Agnes Bachulska, Alicja the-european-politicians-in-beijing-s-orbit 4, July 2018,Bloomberg, com/news/p/42773.html chinaembassy.cz/chn/zjjw/t1623406.htm org/chn/zjgx/t1622386.htm poslance-pred-klicovym-summitem-byli-za-tim-jeji-zpravodajci-89873 26, 2020, February Seznam, zpravodajci”, její authors. t20191216_116102.html November Committee, 7, 2019, Central CCP http://en.chinagate.cn/2020-03/18/content_75828044.htm cz/i-bis-ma-sve-vlastni-zajmy-kdyz-nas-varuje-pred-cinou-upozornuje-expremier-necas-8124044 nebezpe 08/15/c_1123275229.htm havlem-peking-pro-nas-neni-hrozba-celi-tu-kampani/ 9, N, February 2020, Deník kampani”, relations-between-political-elites-and-pro-china-business/. MapInfluenCE’s see elites, economic and political Czech lobby and pro-China the between connections For visual the content/uploads/2019/03/AMO_Images-of-China-in-the-Czech-and-Hungarian-Parliaments.pdf (AMO), 2019, Affairs for International Association Prague: Parliaments. http://cpc.people.com.cn/n1/2016/0930/c407472-28752587.html http://www.cpifa.org/article/content/view?id=599 http://www.china.com.cn/policy/txt/2007-09/18/content_8911814.htm https://chinaobservers.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CHOICE_Empty-shell-no-more.pdf (AMO). Affairs for International (CHOICE) &Association Europe Eastern and Central in Similarly to ties between China and other CEE countries in the 17+1 the in countries CEE other and China between ties to Similarly ANO denied developing any kind of contacts with CCP in a in CCP with of contacts kind any developing denied ANO 刘云山对捷克进行正式友好访问中国同捷克的关系中联部首次举办“公众开放日”活动新形势下中国共产党对外交往空间广阔捷克友好人士代表团访华宋涛会见捷克众议院主席、宋涛分别会见印度和捷克客人党际交往为对外经济交流合作开辟新渠道

BIS má své vlastní zájmy, když nás varuje před Čínou, upozorňuje expremiér Ne expremiér upozorňuje Čínou, před varuje zájmy, nás když vlastní své BIS má

growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe. Prague, Czech Republic, China Observers Observers China Republic, Czech Prague, Europe. Eastern and Central in footprint growing č

calculation based on information available at the time of writing (March 2020). (March of writing time the at available on information based calculation í i

podle FBI, oponuje senátor Hilšer”, Czech Radio, December 16, 2019, December Radio, Czech Hilšer”, oponuje senátor FBI, podle

previous research at: https://www.chinfluence.eu/czech-social-network-analysis/ at: research previous ”, Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, October 2019, October Republic, Czech the in Embassy ”, Chinese . https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-07-03/riding-china-s-rise- . . ”, Chinese People’s ”, Chinese ANO2011 .

Číně jsem se radil i radil se jsem Číně ”, Xinhua, August 15, 2018, 15, August ”, Xinhua, ”, Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, July 19, July Republic, Czech 2017, the in Embassy ”, Chinese a r, Stefan Vladisavljev (eds.) (2020). no more: shell Empty Vladisavljev r, Stefan ”, ”, China.com 运动副主席冯德拉切克 https://denikn.cz/288364/paroubek-o-cine-jsem-se-radil-i-s- ”, CPC News, September 30, 2019,”, September News, CPC ”, Xinhua Silk Road, June 24, June Road, 2017, Silk ”, Xinhua . .

http://www.idcpc.gov.cn/bzhd/wshd/201912/ Institute of Foreign Affairs, September 4, 2019,September of Affairs, Foreign Institute https://www.seznamzpravy.cz/clanek/cina-lovila-ceske- eské poslance před klí před poslance eské

, September 18, 2007,, September Rise: The European Politicians in Beijing’s in Politicians The European Rise: s

Havlem. Peking pro nás není hrozba, č hrozba, není pro nás Peking Havlem. .

anti-virus experience”, Xinhua, March, 18, 2020, March, Xinhua, experience”, anti-virus . http://www.xinhuanet.com/2018- .

”, International Department of Department ”, International response to an emailed query by the by the query emailed an to response . č

ovým summitem. Byli za tím tím za Byli summitem. ovým format, see Ivana Karásková, Karásková, Ivana see format,

. . http://www.amo.cz/wp-

https://www.imsilkroad. http://cz.china-embassy. https://plus.rozhlas. č as. Čína je je Čína as. elí tu tu elí t p://www. htt

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China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 82 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 99 97 96 95 94 93 92 91 90 89 88 87 86 85 84 83 82 81 98

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Author’s

“Dochází nám trpělivost, říká č říká trpělivost, nám “Dochází Marek Švehla, “Krná Švehla, Marek July 3, 2019,Guardian, China”, The who mayor defied Czech the Hřib: “Zdeněk Tait, Robert “Čína už nechce respirátory darované krajem, dostanou je zdravotníci”, MF Dnes, March 18, March Dnes, MF zdravotníci”, je dostanou krajem, darované respirátory nechce už “Čína October Beijing”, 7, Reuters, 2019,with partnership axe to moves council city “Prague “Medvídek, který nikdy nepřiletí. Praha o Praha nepřiletí. nikdy který “Medvídek, “Číňané podepsali smlouvu o smlouvu podepsali “Číňané “Shanghai suspends all ties with Prague in spat over Taiwan”, Reuters, January 14, 2020, over Taiwan”, January spat Reuters, in Prague with ties all suspends “Shanghai č “Paradiplomacie Hořínková, Michaela škola finanční a finanční škola http://news.kf.cn/2020/0326/450227.shtml respiratory-nedostatek.A200318_539673_ostrava-zpravy_pjen 2020, diplomacie.A181130_205831_domaci_mpl https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/panda-cina-zoo-praha-milos-zeman-miroslav-bobek-pandi- tydenik/2016/5/v-objeti-pandy taiwan-idUSKBN1ZD0OP reuters.com/article/us-china-czech-taiwan/shanghai-suspends-all-ties-with-prague-in-spat-over- inside-of-chinas-current-hassle-with-the-rogue-mayor-of-prague/ 2019, 1, (CHOICE), August Europe Eastern and Central in Observers idUSKBN1WM1KS reuters.com/article/us-czech-china/prague-city-council-moves-to-axe-partnership-with-beijing- www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jul/03/zdenek-hrib-the-czech-mayor-who-defied-china-taiwan inside-of-chinas-current-hassle-with-the-rogue-mayor-of-prague/ 2019, 1, (CHOICE), August Europe Eastern and Central in Observers 8, 2019,October rozboril-james-wu.A180627_411380_olomouc-zpravy_mip 2018, 2016, https://is.muni.cz/th/c79an/Bakalarska_prace.pdf. A180525_403688_brno-zpravy_krut https://www.idnes.cz/brno/zpravy/cina-investor-lazne-pasohlavky-vyjednavani-edward-jie-xu. stavba-sedm-let.A190122_144417_brno-zpravy_krut 2019, 22, January com/?p=8116 a “Konfuci “Olomoucký kraj toužil po spolupráci s spolupráci po toužil kraj “Olomoucký Alžběta Bajerová, “Inside of China’s “Inside Bajerová, Alžběta “Vicepremiérka C “Vicepremiérka of China’s “Inside Bajerová, Alžběta Ibid. Cities”, Diplomat, The Sister Estranged Beijing: vs. “Prague Turcsányi, Richard Eckert, Manuel 开封市向国际友城捷克纳霍德市捐赠口罩两万多个盼传捷报共克时艰”, 开封网

Číny”, Česko-

ČLR se uskute se ČLR https://www.idnes.cz/olomouc/zpravy/olomoucky-kraj-spoluprace-cina-jiri-soltys-fu-tien-jiri- https://www.idnes.cz/ostrava/zpravy/moravskoslezsky-kraj-koronavirus-dar-cina-rousky-

u interview at Prague City Hall [anonymity requested], Prague, 2017.Prague, requested], [anonymity Hall City Prague at interview v institut”, Univerzita Palackého v Palackého Univerzita v institut”, . č

správní, November 21, 2018, https://www.vsfs.cz/?id=1013-zpravy&z=972. 21, November správní, ínská smíšená komora vzájemné spolupráce, June 22, 2016, 22, June spolupráce, vzájemné komora smíšená ínská https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/prague-vs-beijing-estranged-sister-cities/ https://www.idnes.cz/brno/zpravy/lazne-pasohlavky-cinane-risesun-thermal-kraj- č LR Sun Chunlan odhalila na VŠFS zakládací desku Konfuciova institutu”, Vysoká institutu”, Konfuciova desku VŠFS zakládací na odhalila Chunlan Sun LR nil již třetí summit představitelů regionů zemí střední a střední zemí regionů představitelů summit třetí již nil . č ová v ová .

objetí pandy”, Respekt, January 30, 2016, January Respekt, pandy”, objetí

lázních v lázních ínský vyjednava ínský .

Current Hassle with the ‘Rogue’ Mayor of Prague”, China China of Mayor Prague”, ‘Rogue’ the with Hassle Current Current Hassle with the ‘Rogue’ Mayor of Prague”, China China of Mayor Prague”, ‘Rogue’ the with Hassle Current .

eských krajů vů krajů eských Čínou, podnikatele ale nepřitáhla”, MF Dnes, August 28, August Dnes, MF nepřitáhla”, ale podnikatele Čínou, Pasohlávkách, na stavbu mají sedm let”, MF Dnes, Dnes, let”, MF sedm mají stavbu na Pasohlávkách,

pandy usilovala marně”, MF Dnes, December 1, 2018, 1, December Dnes, MF marně”, usilovala pandy . .

Olomouci, https://konfucius.upol.cz/o-nas/.Olomouci, č o

lázních v lázních . č i Číně”, Masaryk University, Bachelor thesis, thesis, University, Bachelor i Číně”, Masaryk .

Pasohlávkách”, MF Dnes, May 25, May 2018, Dnes, MF Pasohlávkách”, . . . https://www.respekt.cz/ https://chinaobservers.eu/ https://chinaobservers.eu/

východní Evropy Evropy východní http://www.czechchina. , March 26, 2020,, March t s://www. p htt t s://www. p htt

t s:// p htt . . 115 114 113 112 111 110 109 108 107 106 105 104 103 102 101 100 Author’s

e “ See “

Ivana Karásková, “How China influences media in Central and Eastern Europe”, The Diplomat, Europe”, Diplomat, The Eastern and Central in media influences China “How Karásková, Ivana At the end of 2018, end At the 547 Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana (DZS) Education in Cooperation for International Centre of the Data Zhang Jianmin, “Zítřek bude v “Zítřek Jianmin, Zhang Testimonies of Czech public universities’ representatives expressed at closed-door roundtable roundtable closed-door at expressed representatives universities’ public of Czech Testimonies eastern-europe/. 19,November 2019, https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/how-china-influences-media-in-central-and- chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics zemi-aby-592133 Hongkongem-Tamni-zalezitosti-jsou-vnitrnimi-zalezitostmi-Ciny-Neni-mozne-dovolit-zadne-cizi- https://www.parlamentnilisty.cz/arena/monitor/Cinsky-velvyslanec-pro-PL-Hongkong-je-cinskym- 10/30/c_1125168660.htm Vliv-Ciny-v-ceskem-akademickem-prostredi-a-jak-se-mu-branit.pdf (AMO), 2019. Affairs for International Prague. University, Charles in Sciences, Social of the at Faculty (AMO) Affairs for International Association the by March on held 9, 2020,and organized academia in Czech influence Chinese discussing cz//vystupy/vu_vs_f2.html analyticko-statistický, -odbor MŠMT “Výkonové See ukazatele”, students. paying ciny 29,October 2019, chinese-embassy-in-prague-secretly-funded-activities-at-the-top-czech-university/. (CHOICE), November 7, 2019, https://chinaobservers.eu/the-czech-chinese-centre-of-influence-how- Europe Eastern and Central in Observers Top the at China University”, Czech Activities Funded o-cestinu-studium-bohemistiky-nabidne-desitka-univerzit-20190731.html 2019, 31, July Deník, univerzit”, desítka nabídne University, See etc. Studies „V International dobry-obraz-mini-skoly ceskatelevize.cz/domaci/2715203-zajem-o-cinstinu-slabne-i-pres-velka-ocekavani-zeme-nema- numbers. cited www.chinaembassy.cz/chn/jylx/jygx/ Republic, May 10, 2018, http://cz.china-embassy.org/cze/xwdt/t1558390.htm. cina-spoluprace/r~f68e6648316811eaa24cac1f6b220ee8/ 27, January 2020, dotace”, Aktuálně, statisícové E.g. at Beijing International Studies University, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Shanghai University,Shanghai University, Studies Foreign Tianjin Studies International Beijing at E.g. Ivana Karásková. Vliv C Vliv Karásková. Ivana “Čekal se velký boom, zájem o zájem boom, velký se “Čekal Alžběta Bajerová, “The Czech-Chinese Centre of Influence: How Chinese Embassy in Prague Secretly Secretly Prague in Embassy Chinese How Influence: of Centre Czech-Chinese “The Bajerová, Alžběta České republice”, Chinese Embassy in the Czech Czech the in Embassy republice”, v České Chinese třída Konfuciova první otevřena byla Ostravě “V Lukáš Valášek, Daniel Konrád, “Literární noviny šíří č šíří noviny “Literární Konrád, Daniel Valášek, Lukáš Andrea Procházková, Lukáš Valášek, “Za odměnu s odměnu “Za Valášek, Lukáš Procházková, Andrea 影片《我和我的祖国》在捷克首映 . 中捷教育交流与合作概况

interviews [anonymity requested], Prague, 2020. Prague, requested], [anonymity interviews . https://www.respekt.cz/politika/za-odmenu-s-karlovou-univerzitou-zdarma-do- .

Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence.

Chinese students studied at Czech public universities, including 343 including universities, public Czech at studied students Chinese . íny v íny . .

”, Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, December 20, 2018, December Republic, Czech the in Embassy ”, Chinese českémakademickém prost

Hongkongu lepší”, Parlamentní listy, August 11, 2018,11, listy, August lepší”, Parlamentní Hongkongu č ínštinu naopak slábne”, MF Dnes, January 26, 2019, January slábne”, Dnes, MF naopak ínštinu ”, Xinhua, October 30, 2019, October ”, Xinhua, . It is not clear if all types of study stays are included in the in included are stays study of types all if clear not . It is https://www.chinfluence.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/

Číně roste zájem o zájem roste Číně https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/literarni-noviny- https://www.denik.cz/ze_sveta/v-cine-roste-zajem-

Karlovou univerzitou zdarma do Číny”, Respekt, do Číny”, Respekt, zdarma univerzitou Karlovou ínskou propagandu. A propagandu. ínskou . r edí a edí http://www.xinhuanet.com/2019-

č jak se mu bránit. Prague: Association Association Prague: mu bránit. se jak eštinu. Studium bohemistiky bohemistiky Studium eštinu. . č ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík. .

Česko jim dává dává jim Česko https://dsia.msmt. t :/ 24. t s://c p htt

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China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 84 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 131 130 129 128 127 126 125 124 123 122 121 120 119 118 117 116 132

Author’s “

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Author’s

“ “China’s

Lucie Vopálenská, “Čínští křesťané č křesťané “Čínští Vopálenská, Lucie Zuzana Kézrová, “Jágr se po krátké odmlce opět stal tváří zná tváří stal opět odmlce krátké po se “Jágr Kézrová, Zuzana John Dotson, “The United Front Work Department in Action Abroad: A Abroad: in Action Front United “The WorkDepartment Dotson, John v byla Babišovi blízkého institutu “Ředitelka Horák, Jan Jakub Zelenka, Lukáš Prchal, “Koronavirus zvládáme, přesvěd zvládáme, “Koronavirus Prchal, Lukáš Zelenka, Jakub Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China”, Jamestown China Brief Brief 18, no.2 China China”,Jamestown of Reunification Peaceful of the Promotion replaces-david-beckham-ambassador-chinese-super-league 2016, 31, March Post, Morning www.globaltimes.cn/content/1147902.shtml byla-v-cine/r~8812e7f4c8b611e9970a0cc47ab5f122/ 28, 2019, August Aktuálně, pdf 26,November 2019, ectoday.eu/?p=13383 kW7Z8Agbj33piLLK1OjIokK2Zom2nAZQjPft17GiguUk najatych-studentu-maji-cechy-presvedcit-ze-cina-koronavirus-zvlada/?fbclid=IwAR1A5fKZUQKv1tJ i parlamenich-listu-podle-rozsudku-soudu-demonizace-manipulace-a-apel-na-strach 20, strach”, ČT24, 2019,na December serverech Výzkumná_zpráva_Analýza_manipulativn%C3%ADch_technik_na_vybraných_ č vybraných své vášně, říká v říká vášně, své A170825_083427_domaci_fka 25, 2017,August cekaji-na-azyl-v-cesku-uz-dva-roky-trest-za-prutahy-uradum_1709300559_kro 30, 2017, September Radio, Czech nehrozí”, cz/a/iJVVZ/cinani-mi-sebrali-vlajku-a-kopali-me-na-zemi eu/?p=9036 foreigners-data. A191204_195211_firmy-trhy_ele jagr-se-po-kratke-odmlce-stal-opet-tvari-znacky-huawei-clovek-by-se-nemel-vzdat-sve-vasne-rika. “Annual Report of the Security Information Service for 2018”, Security Information Service, Service, Information for 2018”,Security Service Information Security of the Report “Annual “Čínská CEFC prý dluží Nedvědovi 15 Nedvědovi dluží prý CEFC “Čínská China South League”, Super for Chinese ambassador as Beckham David replaces Nedved “Pavel See Miloš Gregor, Petra Vejvodová, “Výzkumná zpráva: Analýza manipulativních technik na na technik manipulativních Analýza zpráva: Vejvodová, Gregor, “Výzkumná Petra Miloš See Oliver Jahn, “‘Číňani mi sebrali vlajku a vlajku sebrali mi “‘Číňani Jahn, Oliver “Data on numbers of foreigners”, Czech Statistical Office, https://www.czso.cz/csu/cizinci/number-of- Office, Statistical of foreigners”, Czech on numbers “Data 《欧洲时报》社在捷克开设办事处加强中东欧地区新闻报道《欧洲时报》社在捷克开设办事处

捷克中国和平统一促进会就最近香港局势发表声明 videa “spontánních“ studentů”, Deník N, March 13, 2020, N, March Deník studentů”, “spontánních“ videa . http://www.praguetimes.eu/about_us

rise in ice hockey will be quick, says Czech great Jágr”, Global Times, April 28, 2019, April Times, Global Jágr”, great Czech says quick, be will ice hockey in rise interview [anonymity requested], Prague, 2018. Prague, requested], [anonymity interview 2017.Prague, requested], [anonymity interview ; “Praktiky Parlamentních listů podle rozsudku soudu: Démonizace, manipulace a manipulace Démonizace, soudu: rozsudku podle listů Parlamentních ; “Praktiky . eských serverech”, Masaryk University, [undated], serverech”, Masaryk eských

https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/nedved-tvrdik-zeman-navsteva-ciny-cefc. reklamě”, Lidovky,reklamě”, 4, 2019,December https://www.bis.cz/public/site/bis.cz/content/vyrocni-zpravy/en/ar2018en.pdf. . https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/reditelka-institutu-blizkeho-babisovi- . https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/1932217/pavel-nedved- . ekají na azyl v azyl na ekají https://ct24.ceskatelevize.cz/media/3010385-praktiky-

milionů. Smlouvy plníme, oponuje Tvrdík”, MF Dnes, oponuje Tvrdík”, Dnes, MF plníme, Smlouvy milionů.

kopali mě na zemi’”, Echo24, March 29, Echo24, zemi’”, mě na March 2016,kopali . https://www.irozhlas.cz/zpravy-domov/cinsti-krestane- .

”, 2019, Today, EC 11, August Česku už dva roky. Trest za průtahy úřadům úřadům roky. dva už za průtahy Česku Trest . https://www.lidovky.cz/byznys/firmy-a-trhy/

. Číně, výpravu jí platila č jí platila výpravu Číně, https://denikn.cz/311244/krtecek-a-videa- . . ”, 2019, Today, EC 12, August č č ky Huawei. Člověk by se neměl vzdát vzdát se Člověkneměl by ky Huawei. https://www.academia.edu/26046763/ uje Čína Čechy. Nasadila Krte Čechy.uje Čína Nasadila

Profile of The Council for the for Council of The Profile . https://www.ectoday. ínská ambasáda”, ambasáda”, ínská

(2018). č . eských_ https://echo24. t s://www. p htt

apel apel č t p:// htt ka ka 146 145 144 143 142 141 140 139 138 137 136 135 134 133

Ibid.

“

Lukáš Valášek, “Zabavené roušky dovezl vlivný představitel komunistické Číny. Skon komunistické představitel dovezl vlivný roušky “Zabavené Valášek, Lukáš See “Global Unease with Major World Major with Powers”, 2007, Center, Unease “Global Pew Research See Václav Dolejší, “Hradu za Miloše Zemana přibylo hodně nových sponzorů. Smlouvy má s má Smlouvy sponzorů. nových hodně přibylo Zemana Miloše za “Hradu Václav Dolejší, Mynář se sešli se zakladatelem Huawei. Vede Huawei. proti se zakladatelem se sešli se i Mynář Nejedlý “Zeman, Bártová, Hradílková Eliška Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana of-chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics- China’s of The Politics publicopinion/index.cfm/survey/getsurveydetail/instruments/special/surveyky/2217 2018, 479”, November Report Eurobarometer, Special Europe, a between choose to want not or did know not did a a have to (61% proclaimed ofChina respondents towards attitude negative most the exhibits Republic Czech the countries, European Eastern and Central 2018. in Among of China views states’ member on EU shows data survey Eurobarometer org/global/2007/06/27/chapter-3-views-of-china-and-its-increasing-influence/ r~e0712c14d04911e8b3e20cc47ab5f122/v~sl:6d43ada0682944625b8013414d3da056/ 20, 2018, October Aktuálně, chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics Studie_5G_key_032020.pdf ekonomick tank-44778.html https://www.info.cz/cesko/vyrazeni-huawei-prodrazi-budovani-siti-5g-az-o-38-miliard-varuje-think- rekl-mu-prezident/. zeman-nejedly-i-mynar-se-sesli-se-zakladatelem-huaweie-vede-se-proti-vam-kampan-bez-dukazu- 27, N, April mu 2019, prezident”, Deník řekl https://denikn.cz/117876/ důkazů, bez kampaň vám ery-milose-zemana-pribylo-hodne-novych-sponzoru-a-partneru-prazskeho-hradu. i MzIwOTE2NTMwMA==/2651380087/1 babise-a-ministry-bis/ 24,N, March 2020, zabavil-ve-skladu-ktery-mel-pronajaty-vlivn/r~7e30d4e669ea11eaa7deac1f6b220ee8/ 23, 2020, March Aktuálně, u překupníka”, media-and-among-elites-2/ http://www.amo.cz/en/mapinfluence-en/great-expectations-chinas-image-in-polish-mainstream- (2019). Relations for International Center Warsaw: Elites. Among and Media Mainstream Lukáš Prchal, “Čína v “Čína Prchal, Lukáš “Vyřazení Huawei prodraží budování sítí 5G až o až 5G sítí budování prodraží Huawei “Vyřazení Ale Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana “Co vše v vše “Co The company renamed to Smartwings in December 2018. December in to Smartwings renamed company The

捷克扣押中国口罩这事我们都被利用了捷克扣押中国口罩这事

Bohemia Sektem”, Hospodářské noviny, December 7, noviny, December 2015, https://archiv.ihned.cz/c1-64939070-za- Sektem”, Hospodářské Bohemia positive view). The poll also shows a also poll The view). positive

Majority of Chinese residing in Czechia come from Qingtian, Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Qingtian, from come in Czechia residing Chinese of Majority Rod, Michael Fanta, “V Fanta, Michael s Rod,

Česku vlastní Číňané? Svět se jejich investicím už brání, u brání, už investicím jejich Svět se Číňané? vlastní Česku y ch a ch

tr . z https://denikn.cz/324728/cina-v-cesku-skupuje-respiratory-a-rousky-varovala- n i

. ch anal ch Česku skupuje respirátory a respirátory skupuje Česku

. Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence. Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence. ; Agnieszka Ostrowska. Great Expectations: China’s Expectations: Great Ostrowska. ; Agnieszka . y . https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/ekonomika/co-v-cesku-vlastni-cinane/ y znam budov znam z, March 2020, March z,

polarization of views, as only a only as of views, polarization ”, Wechat, Free . a https://zpravy.aktualne.cz/domaci/respiratory-stat- n 5G s i 5G http://eceta.cz/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/

negative view of China, while 33% expressed 33% expressed while of China, view negative

i 38

t roušky, varovala Babiše a Babiše roušky,varovala

positive and a and positive i

v C miliard, varuje think-tank”, Info, April 2, 2020, April Info, think-tank”, varuje miliard, https://freewechat.com/a/ esk republice”, CETA – Centrum e republice”, –Centrum CETA https://ec.europa.eu/commfrontoffice/

negative response. See “Future of “Future See response. negative

nás stále rostou”, stále nás

minority of respondents (6%) respondents of minority č č ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík. ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík.

https://www.pewresearch. ministry BIS”, Deník BIS”, Deník ministry

Image in Polish Polish in Image . The more recent . The morerecent . č . ily ily .

Jaguarem Jaguarem

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 86 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 162 161 160 159 158 157 156 155 154 153 152 151 150 149 148 147 163

Oipaa w “Olimpiada

”

Ibid.

“Wizyta Zhang Dejianga w Dejianga Zhang “Wizyta “Rozmowa Ministra Jacka Czaputowicza z Czaputowicza Jacka Ministra “Rozmowa “The Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Poland Answers Question of media on the US-Poland on of media Question Answers in Poland Embassy Chinese the of Spokesperson “The w Chin prezydenta ”Wizyta Jędrzej Bielecki, “Dalajlama w “Dalajlama Bielecki, Jędrzej freedom”, for Tibetan advocate an become should Day. Visegrad Uprising “Tibetan Mazurczak, Filip Česku tuny pomůcek spřáteleným městům městům spřáteleným pomůcek tuny v Česku darovala “Čína Zelenka, Jakub Vodrážka, Prokop i míří už “Roušky The boycott turned out to be rather symbolic, with only a with symbolic, rather be to out turned boycott The It is important to note that other CEECs also started to use this notion, leading to a to leading notion, this use to started also CEECs other that note to important It is “Pence praises Poland’s praises “Pence polityka/artykuly/73159,olimpiada-w-pekinie-bez-tuska.html 10, 2015, March https://visegradinsight.eu/tibetan-uprising-day10032015/. Insight, Visegrad obci-20200401.html https://benesovsky.denik.cz/z-regionu/rousky-uz-miri-i-do-vybranych-stredoceskych- has never been precisely defined in terms of its practical implications as well as its actual scope. scope. actual as its as well implications practical of its terms in defined precisely been never has of “China’s title for the competing were countries many which Wizyta-prezydenta-Chin-w-Polsce-3546953.html https://wiadomosci.dziennik.pl/polityka/artykuly/84157,dalajlama-w-polsce-chiny-groza.html 2010, http://pl.china-embassy.org/pol/zbgx/t711037.htm. germany.olympicgames2008 29,March 2008, Olympics”,Guardian, The Beijing of opening attend not will says she “Merkel Watts, Jonathan Ian Traynor, See Schetyna. Grzegorz Minister Prime Deputy the and Drzewiecki Mirosław Tourism and of Sport Minister the 2008 of the ceremony opening pomohla-take-firma-z-americkeho-blacklistu/?ref=tema https://denikn.cz/350104/cina-darovala-v-cesku-tuny-pomucek-spratelenym-mestum-i-skolam- 30, 2020, N, April Deník blacklistu”, z amerického firma také pomohla i školám, rnd1585500807975 sprzet-medyczny-z-chin-pierwszy-samolot-dotarl-do-polski.html 26, 2020,March https://twitter.com/MSZ_RP/status/1243124103030202368 jacka-czaputowicza-z-ambasadorem-chrl-w-warszawie 17, March Polskiej, 2020, Rzeczpospolitej org/pol/sghd_1/t1694240.htm 4, 2019, September Poland, in Embassy on 5G”, Chinese Declaration Joint gov.pl/files/files/deklaracja_en-1.pdf huawei-as-u-s-pressure-mounts-idUSKCN1Q22IX https://www.reuters.com/article/us-huawei-europe-poland/pence-praises-polands-actions-on- https://www.paih.gov.pl/20170717/wizyta_Zang_Dejianga_w_Polsce Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@MSZ_RP), March 26, (@MSZ_RP), 2020,Twitter, of Affairs Foreign Ministry Polish “Polish-US Joint Declaration on 5G”, Government of Poland, September 9, September 2019, of Poland, on 5G”, Government “Polish-US Declaration Joint “KGHM kupił sprzęt medyczny z medyczny sprzęt kupił “KGHM 长虹集团官方微波

Pekinie bez Tuska”, Dziennik, March 26, 2008, March Tuska”, bez Pekinie Dziennik, https://forsal.pl/transport/aktualnosci/artykuly/1464184,koronawirus-kghm-kupil-

do vybraných středo do vybraných ”, 20, Weibo, 2020, March . .

actions on Huawei as U.S. pressure mounts “, Reuters, February 13, 2019, February “, Reuters, mounts pressure U.S. as on Huawei actions

Polsce”, Polska Agencja Inwestycji i Polsce”, Inwestycji Agencja Polska

Polsce”, Bankier, June 20, June Polsce”, 2016, Bankier, ; “China-Poland relations in 2008”, Chinese Embassy in Poland, June 23, June Poland, in Embassy 2008”, in Chinese relations ; “China-Poland

Polsce, Chiny grożą”, Dziennik, December 8, 2008, December grożą”, Dziennik, Chiny Polsce,

. Beijing Olympic Games. During the event, Poland was represented by represented was Poland event, the During Games. Olympic Beijing

Chin za 15 za Chin . č eských obcí”, Deník, April 4, 2020, April obcí”, Deník, eských https://www.gov.pl/web/dyplomacja/rozmowa-ministra-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/mar/29/ Ambasadorem ChRL w ChRL Ambasadorem

mln dol. Pierwszy samolot dotarł do Polski”, Forsal, dotarł samolot dol. Pierwszy mln https://www.weibo.com/changhonggroup?is_hot=1#_ . . . .

few leaders deciding not to attend the attend to not deciding leaders few https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/ . https://wiadomosci.dziennik.pl/ .

Handlu, July 13, 2017, July Handlu, bridge to Europe” –a Europe” to bridge .

Warszawie”, Serwis Warszawie”, Serwis .

http://pl.china-embassy.

https://www.premier.

situation in in situation

buzzword that that buzzword

. 173 172 171 170 169 168 167 166 165 164 182 181 180 179 178 177 176 175 174

CP i “CSPA “Xinjiang’s

“ Ibid. Ibid.

R Poland’s CRI Rachelle Peterson, Outsourced to China. Confucius Institutes and Soft Power in American Higher Higher American Soft in and Power Institutes Confucius China. to Outsourced Peterson, Rachelle “TVP podpisała porozumienie o porozumienie podpisała “TVP “SHENG: the new funding opportunity for Polish-Chinese research projects”, National Science Science National projects”, research for Polish-Chinese opportunity funding new the “SHENG: CIs are not independent institutions but are always affiliated with some local academic body, thus academic local some with affiliated always are but institutions independent not are CIs “Poland becoming a CIs are run by Hanban, an organization supervised by the Chinese Ministry of Education, nominally nominally of Education, Ministry Chinese by the supervised organization an by Hanban, run are CIs “Xinhua Headlines: China showcases spirit of sharing by offering CEE countries COVID-19 countries CEE by offering of sharing spirit showcases China Headlines: “Xinhua content/1135612.shtml Facebook, redakcjapolska), porozumienie-z-xinhua-chinska-panstwowa-agencja-prasowa/. 2017, 1, December Polska-Azja, http://www.polska-azja.pl/cspa-i-pap-podpisaly-Studiów www.tvp.info/30735380/tvp-podpisala-porozumienie-o-wspolpracy-z-telewizja-chinska. 2017). of Scholars, York: Association (New National Education element. inherent its becoming world. the around culture and language promote Chinese to claiming sheng?language=en Poland, Centre http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201908/01/WS5d42404fa310d83056402265.html Koronawirus-SARS-CoV-2/303219973-Lodz-prosi-o-pomoc-miasta-partnerskie-z-Chin.html c1-14870999 20, 2020, March pandy-wielkie/. www.kurierzamojski.pl/wiadomosci/zamosc-nawiazal-wspolprace-z-chinami-jej-owocem-maja-byc- Regionalny_wymiar_stosunkow_UE_z_Chinami Europejskiej z Mierzejewski_Chatys_Interakcje.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 2018. OSA, Łódź: Polski. Wolnego_Tybetu___obciach_Platformy.html 2008, 11, December Wyborcza, 14, 2020, March Xinhua, http://www.yidianzixun.com/article/0L4kjjop “Łódź prosi o prosi “Łódź “Słuchaj online”, CRI Online polski, http://polish.cri.cn/1431/2013/10/14/21s121062.htm. polski, Online CRI online”, “Słuchaj Adriana Skorupska, Justyna Szczudlik and Tomasz Kamiński. Regionalny wymiar współpracy Unii Unii współpracy wymiar Regionalny and Kamiński. Tomasz Szczudlik Justyna Skorupska, Adriana Dominik Mierzejewski, Mateusz Chatys. Interakcje władz lokalnych w lokalnych władz Interakcje Chatys. Mateusz Mierzejewski, Dominik Gazeta Platformy”, Wolnego “Rondo Tybetu -obciach Michałowska, Katarzyna Iwona Szpala, Mirosław Malinowski, “Koronawirus. Władze Łodzi proszą o proszą Łodzi Władze “Koronawirus. Malinowski, Mirosław “Będą Pandy w Pandy “Będą 《波兰和美国的关系史，就是波兰跪舔的血泪史》

PAP podpisały porozumienie z porozumienie PAP podpisały

stability, prosperity impressive to foreign scholars”, China Daily, August 1, 2019,Daily, August China scholars”, to foreign impressive prosperity stability, .

Facebook page has almost 90,000 almost has Facebook page pomoc miasta partnerskie z partnerskie miasta pomoc

Chinami. Warsaw: PISM, 2019. PISM, Warsaw: Chinami.

https://ncn.gov.pl/wspolpraca-zagraniczna/wspolpraca-wielostronna/konkurs- zamojskim ZOO – umowa podpisana”, Kurier Zamojski, August 23, 2019, August https:// Zamojski, Kurier podpisana”, –umowa ZOO zamojskim https://expressilustrowany.pl/koronawirus-wladze-lodzi-prosza-o-pomoc-chiny/ar/

. US accomplice”, Global Times, January 13, 2019, US January accomplice”, Times, Global . http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-03/14/c_138877712.htm http://dspace.uni.lodz.pl:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/11089/26682/ https://www.facebook.com/redakcjapolska https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/1,54420,6050936,Rondo_

współpracy z współpracy

prasową”, Centrum prasową”, Centrum agencją państwową -chińską Xinhua

Chin”, Rzeczpospolita, March 21, 2020, 21, March Chin”, Rzeczpospolita,

. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335402517_ . telewizją chińską”, TVP Info, May 13, 2017, May Info, TVP https:// chińską”, telewizją

followers. See Chińskie Radio Międzynarodowe (@ Międzynarodowe Radio Chińskie See followers. ”, Yidian Zixun, January 12, 2019, 12, January Zixun, ”, Yidian .

pomoc Chiny!”, Express Ilustrowany, Ilustrowany, Express Chiny!”, pomoc . http://www.globaltimes.cn/ .

formacie 16+1. Wnioski dla 16+1. dla formacie Wnioski https://www.rp.pl/

insights”, . 87

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 88 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 199 198 197 196 195 194 193 192 191 190 189 188 187 186 185 184 183

“2019/2020

Ibid. Ibid.

“2018

Ibid. Ibid.

Łukasz Pawłowski, “Trump, Huawei i Huawei “Trump, Pawłowski, Łukasz “Georgette Mosbacher: tuszując prawdę, Chiny doprowadziły do globalnej pandemii Onet [OPINIA]”, pandemii globalnej do doprowadziły Chiny prawdę, tuszując Mosbacher: “Georgette Justyna Szczudlik,‘Tell China’s Jędrzej Bielecki, “Gen. Robert Spalding: Niegotowi na świat po pekińsku”, Rzeczpospolita, September September Rzeczpospolita, pekińsku”, po świat na Niegotowi Spalding: Robert “Gen. Bielecki, Jędrzej Karolina Wiśniewska, “’Rzeczpospolita’ z “’Rzeczpospolita’ Wiśniewska, Karolina “Address of Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to the Polish people”, The Government of Poland, April 28, April of people”,Poland, Polish WenGovernment the to The Jiabao Minister “Address of Prime polsce-komentuje-dla-onetu/zlktyzb 23, 2020, March Wiadomości, great-expectations-chinas-image-in-polish-mainstream-media-and-among-elites-2/ prezydenta-chin-i-jego-reformy 28, 2018, December 2018, 22, October Xinhua, China”, watch?v=zAaW04cuMKE Premiera), o “Premier Chin the-polish-people.html 2012, a/. sk ol p 20, 2019,August republiki-ludowej-w-polsce-j-e-liu-guangyuan/. Lubię!, to Chiny https://marszalek.com.pl/aktualnosci/1352-promocja-ksiazki-xi-jinpinga ksiazki-zarzadzanie-chinami/ 20, 2019,December 2018. cokolwiek-przekazali-6400413033949313a.html chinczycy-w-polsce-przekonuja-do-swoich-racji-spotkali-sie-z-dziennikarzami-ale-nie-chca-by-ci- Money.pl, 10, July przekazali”, 2019, cokolwiek by ci chcą, nie ale 2020. available. 24, No longer January in 2019,January retrieved Elites. Warsaw: Center for International Relations (2019). Relations for International Center Warsaw: Elites. Ambasador-Chin-Stany-Zjednoczone-sa-swiatowym-krolem-klamstw.html 30, 2019, September Rzeczpospolita, kłamstw”, pekinsku.html 27, 2019, Piotr Chodak, “Wywiad z “Wywiad Chodak, Piotr The video had over 11,000 over had video The Jędrzej Bielecki, Paweł Rożyński, “Ambasador Chin: Stany Zjednoczone są światowym królem królem światowym są Zjednoczone Stany “Ambasador Chin: Rożyński, Paweł Bielecki, Jędrzej (@AmbLiuGuangYuan), Twitter, Guangyuan Liu Mateusz Ratajczak, “Chińczycy w “Chińczycy Ratajczak, Mateusz “Inauguracja polskojęzycznego wydania książki ‘Zarządzanie Chinami’”, Liderzy Innowacyjności, Innowacyjności, Liderzy Chinami’”, ‘Zarządzanie książki wydania polskojęzycznego “Inauguracja Agnieszka Ostrowska. Great Expectations: China’s Expectations: Great Ostrowska. Agnieszka

https://www.pism.pl/file/c6312476-9f12-45e0-8595-cf1eb7a06eb6 https://www.premier.gov.pl/en/multimedia/video/address-of-prime-minister-wen-jiabao-to- China Higher Education Exhibition held in Poland to encourage Polish students to study in in study to students Polish encourage to Poland in held Exhibition Education Higher China

https://www.rp.pl/Plus-Minus/309279997-Gen-Robert-Spalding-Niegotowi-na-swiat-po-

Chinese Government Scholarship Application”, Chinese Embassy in Poland, published published Poland, in Embassy Application”, Chinese Scholarship Government Chinese . https://www.chinytolubie.pl/wywiad-chiny-to-lubie-z-ambasadorem-chinskiej- https://kulturaliberalna.pl/2019/08/20/huawei-tygodnik-sieci-kryporeklama-usa- https://liderzyinnowacyjnosci.com/inauguracja-polskojezycznego-wydania- https://www.press.pl/tresc/55720,_rzeczpospolita_-z-reklama-promujaca- .

Ambasadorem Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej w Ludowej Republiki Chińskiej Ambasadorem

. views in November 2019, Minister‘s November in Prime views see:

wizycie w wizycie https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/opinie/koronawirus-ambasador-usa-w- ; “Promocja książki Xi Jinpinga”, Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek, Marszałek, Adam Jinpinga”, Wydawnictwo Xi książki ; “Promocja

Stories Well’: Implications for the Western Narrative. Warsaw: PISM, PISM, Warsaw: Narrative. Western for the Well’:Stories Implications .

Polsce przekonują do swoich racji. Spotkali się z się Spotkali racji. do swoich przekonują Polsce http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-10/22/c_137550700.htm .

tajemnicze publikacje tygodnika ‘Sieci’”, Kultura Liberalna, Liberalna, ‘Sieci’”, Kultura tygodnika publikacje tajemnicze Polsce”, YouTube, 27, April 2012,

reklamą promującą prezydenta Chin i Chin prezydenta promującą reklamą https://www.rp.pl/Gospodarka/309309922- . https://twitter.com/AmbLiuGuangYuan

Image in Polish Mainstream Media and Among Among and Media Mainstream Polish in Image http://www.amo.cz/en/mapinfluence-en/ https://www.money.pl/gospodarka/ https://www.youtube.com/ .

. Polsce L.E. Liu Guangyuan”, Guangyuan”, Liu L.E. Polsce

Office (Kancelaria (Kancelaria Office .

jego reformy”, Press, reformy”,jego Press,

dziennikarzami, dziennikarzami, . . . 200 216 215 214 213 212 211 210 209 208 207 206 205 204 203 202 201 217

Ibid. Ibid.

“Ambasador Chin w Chin “Ambasador Alexander Bowe, “China’s Bowe, Alexander Łukasz Bąk, ”W Bąk, Łukasz ”Radosław Kędzia wiceprezesem Huawei w Huawei wiceprezesem Kędzia ”Radosław ”Centrum Innowacji Huawei w Huawei Innowacji ”Centrum “Raport społecznej odpowiedzialności Orange Polska 2013”, Orange Polska, Polska, 2013”, Polska Orange Orange odpowiedzialności społecznej “Raport Piotr Domański, “Jak to działa #7 działa to “Jak Domański, Piotr The rules of the competition for the the 2019 for competition the of rules The tygodnik/134030/W-kieszeni-u-Chinczyka.html Polsce-1787190.html 2008, development-ban 2006, 11, united-states https://www.uscc.gov/research/chinas-overseas-united-front-work-background-and-implications- 24, 2018, August Commission, Economyand Review Security States”, U.S.-China ameryka-rozsiewa-polityczny-wirus/qdbl7rj 24,March 2020, Tabletowo, 28, 2019, May polsce-w-q2-2019/ w smartfonów poland-arrests-huawei-employee-polish-man-on-spying-allegations-idUSKCN1P50RN 2019, 11, January Reuters, allegations”, spying dlaczego kedzia-wiceprezesem-huawei-w-regionie-europy-srodkowo-wschodniej-i-krajach-nordyckich- 2019, 21, August Media, nordyckich”, Wirtualne https://www.telix.pl/sprzet/huawei/2015/06/centrum-innowacji-huawei-w-warszawie-otwarte/ pl/2019/04/10/program-seeds-for-the-future/ Świętokrzyska, Politechnika Future’”, for the ‘Seeds “Program see: Polish, win-win-development/social-contribution/seeds-for-the-future/poland seeds-future material/MaterialDownload?materialid=4f8c96bf97ce478aa663b6f474d99ce1&language=en-SA http://huawei.edu.pl/ 2018, sites/default/files/Orange_CSR_2013%205mb.pdf “Seeds for the Future. Poland”, Huawei, Future. for the “Seeds Mateusz Budzeń,“Huawei przed Samsungiem, Apple przed Xiaomi. Oto rynek smartfonów w smartfonów rynek Oto Xiaomi. Apple przed Samsungiem, przed Budzeń,“Huawei Mateusz ”Akademia Sieci Huawei”, Wydział Elektroniki i Elektroniki Huawei”, Sieci ”Akademia Wydział “Seeds for the Future. Hands-on ICT Training”, Huawei Europe, Europe, Huawei Training”, ICT Hands-on Future. for the “Seeds “Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy”, Huawei, Academy”, Huawei, Network and Information Authorized “Huawei ”Nowy operator komórkowy ma umowę z umowę ma komórkowy operator ”Nowy Tomasz Świderek, ”Chińczycy pożyczyli na rozwój sieci komórkowej sieci rozwój w na pożyczyli ”Chińczycy Tomasz Świderek, Mateusz Budze Mateusz on man employee, Polish Huawei arrests “Poland Stubbs, Jack Witenberg, Karol Plucinska, Joanna https://biuroprasowe.orange.pl/blog/jak-to-dziala-7-pierwszy-test-5g/ https://www.bankier.pl/wiadomosc/Chinczycy-pozyczyli-na-rozwoj-sieci-komorkowej-w- . https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/nowy-operator-komorkowy-ma-umowe-z-china- . .

n Polsce”, 29, Tabletowo, 2019, August

kieszeni u kieszeni https://wiadomosci.onet.pl/opinie/koronawirus-ambasador-chin-w-polsce-to- , " k. . S wietny wynik Samsunga i Samsunga wynik wietny

. Polsce: to Ameryka rozsiewa wirus polityczny [OPINIA]”, Onet Wiadomości, Wiadomości, Onet polityczny [OPINIA]”, wirus rozsiewa Ameryka Polsce: to . https://www.tabletowo.pl/sprzedaz-smartfonow-q1-2019-polska/

Overseas United Front Work Background and Implications for the United United for the Implications and Front Work United Background Overseas Chińczyka”, Wprost, July 13, 2008, July Wprost, Chińczyka”,

Warszawie otwarte”, Prasa Huawei Polska, June 24, June Polska, Huawei 2014, Prasa otwarte”, Warszawie

– pierwszy test 5G”, Biuro Prasowe Orange Polska, September 12, 12, September Polska, Orange 5G”, Prasowe Biuro test – pierwszy https://www.huawei.com/en/about-huawei/sustainability/

Polish edition of Seeds for the Future are available in in available are Future for the of Seeds edition Polish

China Development Bank”, Wirtualne Media, November November Media, Wirtualne Bank”, Development China

regionie Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej i Europy regionie . https://www.reuters.com/article/us-poland-security/

. Xiaomi, spadek Huawei. Oto, jak wygląda rynek rynek wygląda jak Oto, Huawei. spadek Xiaomi,

https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/radoslaw- Telekomunikacji, Politechnika Poznańska, . . https://www.tabletowo.pl/rynek-smartfonow-w- https://www.wprost.pl/ https://huawei.eu/what-we-do/ http://e-file.huawei.com/en/

Polsce”, Bankier, June 20, June Polsce”, Bankier, . https://weaii.tu.kielce. http://www.orange-ir.pl/ .

krajach krajach .

Polsce”, Polsce”, . . 89

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 90 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 232 231 230 229 228 227 226 225 224 223 222 221 220 219 218 233

“A

Péter Szijjártó, “Hungarian-Chinese relations have never been as good as they are today”, Ministry of Ministry today”, are they as good as been never have relations “Hungarian-Chinese Szijjártó, Péter Robert Zieliński,“ABW sprawdza chiński prezent dla MSWiA”, Gazeta Prawna, September 23, 2011, 23, 2011, September Prawna, MSWiA”, dla prezent Gazeta chiński sprawdza Zieliński,“ABW Robert “Rozliczenia międzynarodowe”, ICBC Warszawa, Warszawa, ICBC międzynarodowe”, “Rozliczenia “About us”, China Construction Bank (Europe), (Europe), Bank “About Construction us”, China z Huawei.’Nie telefon korzystam Chińczyków od dostał Suski “Marek Mieśnik, Magda Polska”, Huawei 26, July 2019, Forsal, wpłacił do budżetu CIT Najwięcej podatki. płacą IT “Giganci Tamas Matura, “Absent political values in a in values “Absent political Matura, Tamas http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-11/06/c_138531243.htm trade/news/hungarian-chinese-relations-have-never-been-as-good-as-they-are-today- 15,and 2019,July Trade, Affairs Foreign 2017). on China, Network Tank Think (European Otero-Iglesias Miguel Huotari, Mikko Seaman, John eds. Europe, in Investment kinai-egyuttmukodesben-7113155/ 2019,12, legmagasabb-szintre-kerult-a-magyar-kinai-egyuttmukodes 13, 2017,Trade, May 2018). China, on Network Tank Think (European al. et Putten der van Frans-Paul Jerdén, Björn Rühlig, Nicholas Tim eds. relations, Europe-China in AmbLiuGuangYuan/status/1242880001810337793 w-polsce https://media-huawei.prowly.com/90020-huawei-przekazuje-pierwsza-transze-pomocy-dla-szpitali- status/1243119758096113665 dJxo8jFwvLKdpRgUwcFNamLw4j9y8ICHPyvqGa7jE Rozliczeniamiedzynarodowe/?fbclid=IwAR1R1pnREM0qTmUZC_ cn/ICBC/ telefon-huawei-nie-korzystam-z-niego-6341261092542593a 2019, 22, January Polska, Wirtualna urzednikow-ktorzy-decyduja-o-przetargach.html pl/wiadomosci/artykuly/548592,chinskie-prezenty-dla-mswia-sprzet-elektroniczny-trafil-do- o decydują którzy mswia.html https://www.gazetaprawna.pl/wiadomosci/artykuly/550082,abw-sprawdza-chinski-prezent-dla- urzednikow-ktorzy-decyduja-o-przetargach.html pl/wiadomosci/artykuly/548592,chinskie-prezenty-dla-mswia-sprzet-elektroniczny-trafil-do- o decydują którzy huawei-polska.html https://forsal.pl/artykuly/1423659,giganci-it-placa-podatki-najwiecej-cit-do-budzetu-wplacil- “Huawei przekazuje pierwszą transzę pomocy dla szpitali w szpitali dla pomocy transzę pierwszą przekazuje “Huawei Robert Zieliński, “Chińskie prezenty dla MSWiA. Sprzęt elektroniczny trafił do urzędników, urzędników, do trafił elektroniczny Sprzęt MSWiA. dla prezenty “Chińskie Zieliński, Robert Exatel (@exatel_pl), Twitter, (@exatel_pl), 26, March 2020, Exatel “Hungary to partner with Huawei on 5G implementation”, Xinhua, November 6, November 2019, implementation”, on Xinhua, 5G Huawei with partner to “Hungary a kitűzni Ideje újabb célokat Péter: “Szijjártó Tamás Matura, “Chinese Investment in Hungary: Few Results but Great Expectations”, in Chinese Chinese in Expectations”, Great but Few Results Hungary: in Investment “Chinese Matura, Tamás (@AmbLiuGuangYuan),25, Twitter, 2020,March Guangyuan Liu h Robert Zieliński,“Chińskie prezenty dla MSWiA. Sprzęt elektroniczny trafił do urzędników, urzędników, do trafił elektroniczny Sprzęt MSWiA. dla prezenty Zieliński,“Chińskie Robert

legmagasabb szintre került a került szintre legmagasabb https://magyarnemzet.hu/gazdasag/szijjarto-peter-ideje-ujabb-celokat-kituzni-a-magyar- . 海外分行 .

przetargach”, Gazeta Prawna, September 19, September 2011, Prawna, Gazeta przetargach”, przetargach”, Gazeta Prawna, September 19, September 2011, Prawna, Gazeta przetargach”, / 华沙网站 . https://www.kormany.hu/hu/kulgazdasagi-es-kulugyminiszterium/hirek/a- /pl/Produktyiuslugi/Bankowosckorporacyjna/ .

magyar-kínai együttműködés”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Affairs of Foreign Ministry együttműködés”, magyar-kínai . https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/marek-suski-dostal-od-chinczykow- https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-

pragmatic Hungarian China policy”, in Political values values Political in policy”, China Hungarian pragmatic

magyar-kínai együttműködésben”, Magyar Nemzet, July July Nemzet, Magyar együttműködésben”, magyar-kínai https://twitter.com/exatel_pl/ http://eu.ccb.com/europe/en/gywm.html http://warsaw.icbc.com......

. Polsce”, Huawei Polska, March 20,Polsce”, 2020, March Polska, Huawei . ttps://twitter.com/ https://www.gazetaprawna. https://www.gazetaprawna.

niego’”, niego’”, . . 250 249 248 247 246 245 244 243 242 240 239 238 237 236 235 234 241

Ibid.

Alex Cooper, “Hungary: Golden Visas Take Form Orban’s New in Visas Golden “Hungary: Cooper, Alex “PM Orbán holds talks with leaders of Shanghai’s leaders with holds talks Orbán “PM “Mészáros cége megkötötte az 590 az megkötötte cége “Mészáros “China-CEE Fund completes the acquisition of Invitel Group”, 2, of2017, Equity, Invitel CEE March acquisition the completes Fund “China-CEE 13, 2011, July Budapest.hu, szövetségét”, Kína és Magyarország erősítheti Peking és Budapest “Tarlós: Alicia Prager, “Budapest-Belgrade railway: Orbán flirts with China”, Euractiv, September 23, 2019,September China”, Euractiv, with flirts Orbán railway: “Budapest-Belgrade Prager, Alicia John Irish, “Hungary criticizes western Europe’s western criticizes “Hungary Irish, John Journal, Business accelerated”,be to Budapest financing rail on Budapest-Belgrade “Talks Tamas Matura, “Absent political values in a in values “Absent political Matura, Tamas http://cee-equity.com/china-cee-fund-completes-the-acquisition-of-invitel-group/ shanghais-fudan-university-in-budapest/ 2019, 1, November Magyarorsz%C3%A1g-%C3%A9s-K%C3%ADna-sz%C3%B6vets%C3%A9g%C3%A9t.aspx https://budapest.hu/Lapok/Tarl%C3%B3s-Budapest-%C3%A9s-Peking-er%C5%91s%C3%ADtheti- milliard_szerzodest_a_budapest-belgrad-vasutvonalra/ 2019, 12, June hu, a such in law election the amended hundreds-of-tons-of-protective-equipment-are-arriving-from-china 25, 2020,Trade, March https://hungarytoday.hu/direct-flights-budapest-china-eastern/ https://hungarytoday.hu/first-direct-flight-shanghai-airlines-lands-budapest/ 2018). China, on Network Tank Think (European al. et Putten der van Frans-Paul Jerdén, Björn Rühlig, Nicholas Tim eds. relations, Europe-China in hypocrisy-on-china-trade-idUSKCN1ST24C https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-europe-hungary/hungary-criticizes-western-europes- upholding-south-china-sea-ruling/ 14, 2016, xinjiang_time_for_a_new_approac 2, 2019,April government 2018, china/ https://www.euractiv.com/section/eu-china/interview/budapest-belgrade-railway-orban-flirts-with- accelerated_171667 September 24, 2019, https://www.blikk.hu/aktualis/belfold/kinai-gyerekek-katonaskodtak-mogyorodon/0vefn5l “Hundreds of tons of protective equipment are arriving from China”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of Affairs Foreign Ministry China”, from arriving are equipment of protective of tons “Hundreds Today, 7, June Hungary Budapest,” in 2019, Lands Shanghai from Flight Direct “First Zoltán Gaál, “Tizenéves kínai gyerekek katonáskodtak Mogyoródon”, Blikk.hu, August 27, August 2018, Mogyoródon”, Blikk.hu, katonáskodtak gyerekek kínai “Tizenéves Gaál, Zoltán “Two More Direct Flights between Budapest and China”, Hungary Today, 5, November 2019, Hungary China”, and Budapest between Flights “Two More Direct David Marques, “The EU, China, and human rights in Xinjiang: Time for a Time Xinjiang: in rights and human EU,China, “The Marques, David Georgi Gotev, “EU unable to adopt statement upholding South China Sea ruling”, Euractiv, July July Euractiv, ruling”, Sea China South upholding statement adopt to unable Gotev, “EU Georgi Fidesz won overwhelming landslides in local government and EU parliamentary elections and and elections parliamentary EU and government local in landslides Fidesz won overwhelming https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/8088-hungary-golden-visas-take-new-form-in-orban-s- . https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/eu-unable-to-adopt-statement- . https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_the_eu_china_and_human_rights_in_ https://index.hu/gazdasag/2019/06/12/meszaros_cege_opus_megkototte_590_ http://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/pm-orban-holds-talks-with-leaders-of- . https://bbj.hu/economy/talks-on-budapest-belgrade-rail-financing-to-be- https://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/

milliárdos szerződést a szerződést milliárdos

. way as to gain a gain to as way . .

pragmatic Hungarian China policy”, in Political values values Political in policy”, China Hungarian pragmatic .

‘hypocrisy’ on China trade”, Reuters, May 23, May 2019, trade”, Reuters, on China ‘hypocrisy’

Fudan University in Budapest”, About Hungary, Hungary, About in Budapest”, University Fudan

majority even with less than 50% of the votes. of 50% than less with even majority .

Budapest-Belgrád-vasútvonalra”, Index. .

Government”, OCCRP, 16, May Government”, .

new approach”, ECFR, approach”,new ECFR, . .

. .

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 92 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 267 266 265 264 263 262 261 260 259 258 257 256 255 254 253 252 251 268

Ibid.

“A See See

Balázs Tóth, “Magyarországon biztosan marad a marad biztosan Tóth, “Magyarországon Balázs a emeli új szintre út” Yang egy Yongqian, “Az övezet, “egy Rudolf Fürst, Gabriela Pleschová, “Czech and Slovak Relations with China: Contenders for Contenders China: with Relations Slovak and “Czech Pleschová, Gabriela Fürst, Rudolf “Coronavirus: China Construction Bank Donates 20,000 Donates Bank Construction China “Coronavirus: Szabolcs Panyi, “Csendben csinálja, de már nyakig benne van a van benne nyakig de már csinálja, “Csendben Panyi, Szabolcs fog megtérülni”, aligha és mobilhálózat, állami az kerül Varga “Tizenhárommilliárdba G., Gábor “Így szeretett bele Orbán Viktor Kínába”, 444.hu, December 2, 2017,December 444.hu, Kínába”, Viktor Orbán bele szeretett “Így Europe”, Diplomat, The Eastern and Central in Media Influences China “How Karásková, Ivana Tamás Matura, “Chinese Investment in Hungary: Few Results but Great Expectations” in Chinese Chinese in Expectations” Great but Few Results Hungary: in Investment “Chinese Matura, Tamás “Stratégiai partnerségi megállapodások”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 2019, Trade, of Affairs Foreign Ministry megállapodások”, partnerségi “Stratégiai China’s 2020, https://444.hu/2017/12/02/igy-szeretett-bele-orban-viktor-kinaba benne-van-a-magyar-kormany-a-huawei-haboruban 2019, 31, October 444.hu, háborúban”, https://hirado.hu/2015/02/06/halozatot-bovit-a-huawei-magyarorszagon/# 10, 2015, September Népszabadság, csalas_technologialopas/ https://index.hu/techtud/2019/02/01/huawei_botrany_5g_kina_kiberbiztonsag_kemkedes_ megallapodasok https://www.kormany.hu/hu/kulgazdasagi-es-kulugyminiszterium/strategiai-partnersegi- kinai-egyuttmukodesben-7113155/ 2019,12, 2017). on China, Network Tank Think (European Otero-Iglesias Miguel Huotari, Mikko Seaman, John eds. Europe, in Investment https://karrier.borsodchem.eu/dijaink contribution/seeds-for-the-future/hungary at website 2014. since Huawei See program the in participating been have students Hungarian Beijing. in a see by Hanban, sponsored magyar-kapcsolatokat-1616677/ 24,April 2017, eastern-europe/ 19,November 2019, chinese-influence.pdf https://www.amo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/AMO_central-europe-for-sale-the-politics-of- China’s of The Politics “Szijjártó Péter: Ideje újabb célokat kitűzni a kitűzni Ideje újabb célokat Péter: “Szijjártó “Hálózatot bővít a bővít “Hálózatot Seeds for the Future scholarship program sends ICT students from foreign countries to China on China to countries foreign from students ICT sends program scholarship Future for the Seeds The “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition isa Competition Proficiency Chinese Bridge” “Chinese The Ivana Karásková, Tamás Matura, Richard Q. Turcsányi and Matej Šimal Matej and Q. Turcsányi Richard Matura, Tamás Karásková, Ivana

research facilities facilities research and Shenzhen in headquarters Huawei visit Students trip. study two-week

Borsodchem elnyerte a elnyerte Borsodchem http://www.konfuciuszkupa.hu https://hungarytoday.hu/coronavirus-china-construction-bank-hungary-face-masks/

Favour”, Europe Asia Studies 62, no.8 Studies Favour”, Asia Europe https://magyarnemzet.hu/gazdasag/szijjarto-peter-ideje-ujabb-celokat-kituzni-a-magyar- https://www.huawei.com/en/about-huawei/sustainability/win-win-development/social- https://www.magyaridok.hu/gazdasag/az-egy-ovezet-egy-ut-uj-szintre-emeli-kinai- . .

Huawei Magyarországon”, Híradó, February 6, 2015, February Híradó, Magyarországon”, Huawei https://thediplomat.com/2019/11/how-china-influences-media-in-central-and- .

Influence. Prague: Association for International Affairs (AMO), 2018. Affairs International for Association Prague: Influence. .

Miskolci Egyetem kiemelt támogatója díjat”, BorsodChem, 2019, díjat”, BorsodChem, támogatója kiemelt Egyetem Miskolci http://english.hanban.org/node_8080.htm . . . http://nol.hu/gazdasag/mobilizalt-milliardok-1562255 https://444.hu/2019/10/31/csendben-csinalja-de-mar-nyakig- . .

magyar-kínai együttműködésben” Magyar Nemzet, June June Nemzet, Magyar együttműködésben” magyar-kínai

(2010).

Huawei”, Index.hu, February 1, 2019, 1, February Huawei”, Index.hu, .

Face Masks”, Hungary Today, 23, Face March Masks”, Hungary kínai–magyar kapcsolatokat”, Magyar Idők, Idők, Magyar kapcsolatokat”, kínai–magyar

large-scale international contest contest international large-scale

magyar kormány a kormány magyar .

č ík. Central Europe for Sale: for Sale: Europe Central ík. .

Huawei-

284 283 282 281 280 279 278 277 276 275 274 273 272 271 270 269

Ibid. Ibid.

Rkvna s “Rokovania Matthew Reynolds, ‘‘Once a ‘‘Once Reynolds, Matthew Matej Šimal Matej ‘‘The 2nd China-CEEC Conference on Innovation Cooperation Held in Bratislava of Slovakia’’, of Slovakia’’, in Bratislava Held Cooperation Innovation on Conference China-CEEC 2nd ‘‘The “M. Laj “M. Richard Q. Turcsanyi, ‘‘Slovakia’s Q. Turcsanyi, Richard Matej Šimal Matej The protests are further discussed below. discussed further are The protests a Postavenie Q. Turcsányi. Richard Richard Turcsányi, Matej Šimal Matej Turcsányi, Richard Gabriela Pleschová, Rudolf Fürst, “Mobilizing Overseas Chinese to Back Up Chinese Diplomacy: The Diplomacy: Up Chinese Back to Chinese Overseas “Mobilizing Fürst, Rudolf Pleschová, Gabriela Weifang na stretnutí s stretnutí na Weifang content/m-lajcak-rokoval-s-cinskym-rezortnym-partnerom/10182 10,July 2019, https://dennikn.sk/577043/preco-dostal-lajcak-dve-cervene-karty/ http://www.jittc.org/beltandroaden/browse/AboutTheLeagueController/detail?id=14 27, November Transfer, &Technology 2011, Innovation for Collaborative Alliance Road and Belt https://ceias.eu/sk/%ef%bb%bfslovensko-cinske-vztahy-bez-vizie/ 2013, 31, July Republic, pdf/b840bf10-e297-4853-a09d-d004c670e853. Hospod%C3%A1rska+spolupr%C3%A1ca+medzi+SR+a+%C4%8C%C3%ADnou_pr%C3%ADloha_1. https://www.mzv.sk/documents/10182/1677593/ 5_664752/3227_664756/t1014367.shtml 2013, Gašparovi President pdf/b840bf10-e297-4853-a09d-d004c670e853 Hospod%C3%A1rska+spolupr%C3%A1ca+medzi+SR+a+%C4%8C%C3%ADnou_pr%C3%ADloha_1. 2015, Affairs, European 2018, 22, June CEIAS, EU+China“, https://thediplomat.com/2017/11/slovakias-overdue-china-strategy/ Hu Jintao’s of President Case uploads/2016/04/Postavenie-a-moznosti-SR-voci-Cine.pdf 2016. štúdií/CENAA, ázijských Inštitút 16+1. Bratislava: on-empty-words 4, 2018, October Federalist, http://www.hospodarskyklub.sk/docs/Sipko/100427.pdf html https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/28/business/worldbusiness/once-a-backwater-slovakia-surges. english/2018-09/16/c_137470383.htm 16, 2018, September Xinhua, multilateralism”, undermining against org/slo/xwdt/t1246407.htm Laj SR Miroslavom Čínou”, Ministry of Foreign and of and Foreign SR a Čínou”, medzi Ministry spolupráca “Hospodárska Juraj Sipko, “The Global Recession and its Implications for the Slovak Economy”, Hospodársky klub, Economy”, the Hospodársky Slovak for Implications and its Recession Sipko,Global Juraj “The Mirek Tóda, “Laj Mirek Čínou”, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, 2015, Affairs, European of and Foreign SR a Čínou”, medzi Ministry spolupráca “Hospodárska . https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/zzjg_663340/xos_664404/gjlb_664408/322 č ák rokoval s rokoval ák č č

ík, “Slovensko- ík, ík, “Multilateralism as a as “Multilateralism ík, https://www.mzv.sk/web/en/news/current_issues/-/asset_publisher/lrJ2tDuQdEKp/ ČĽR pokra ČĽR č . ák prekážal USA a prekážal ák č

ákom“, Chinese Embassy in Slovakia, March 17, March 2015, Slovakia, in Embassy ákom“, Chinese č č “, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s of of Affairs Foreign “, Ministry ínskym rezortným partnerom“, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Affairs, and European of Foreign Ministry partnerom“, rezortným ínskym

podpredsedom vlády a vlády podpredsedom http://www.mpsr.sk/?navID=1&id=7818 https://www.mzv.sk/documents/10182/1677593/ č ujú ďalej“, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Slovak of the Development Rural and of Agriculture Ministry ujú ďalej“, https://www.thenewfederalist.eu/slovak-policy-towards-china-is-built-

č Backwater, Slovakia Surges,’’ New York New 28, 2004, Surges,’’ December Times, Slovakia Backwater, ; “Interview: Outgoing UN General Assembly president cautions cautions president Assembly General UN Outgoing ; “Interview:

ínske vzťahy bez vízie”, CEIAS, August 20, 2019, August CEIAS, vízie”, bez vzťahy ínske Visit to Slovakia in 2009”, Problems of Post-Communism 62 of 2009”, Post-Communism in Problems Slovakia to Visit č ík, “Slovak policy towards China is built on empty words”, on empty New built The is China towards policy “Slovak ík,

Overdue China Strategy’’, The Diplomat, November November Diplomat, 3, The 2017, Strategy’’, China Overdue

https://ceias.eu/multilateralism-as-a-tool-in-slovak-china-policy/ možnosti spolupráce Slovenska s Slovenska spolupráce možnosti

Číny”, Denník N, October 6, 2016, N, October a Číny”, Denník Ruska hlasy dostal Británii,

tool in Slovak China policy: The case of 16+1, V4+China, and of 16+1,case The policy: V4+China, China Slovak in tool . .

ministrom zahrani ministrom ; “Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Meets with Slovak Slovak with Meets Liangyu Hui Premier ; “Vice . http://www.asian.sk/wp-content/ . . č

ných vecí a ných vecí Republic of China, February 16, February of China, Republic ; “Veľvyslanec ČĽR v ČĽR ; “Veľvyslanec . . http://www.xinhuanet.com/

Čínou v Čínou . http://sk.chineseembassy.

rámci platformy platformy rámci

európskych záležitostí záležitostí európskych .

SR Pan SR Pan

(2015).

. 93

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 94 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 299 298 297 296 295 294 293 292 291 290 289 288 287 286 285 300

Matej Šimal Matej “China-CEEC Ruling Parties Roundtable Held in Beijing”, International Department of CPC Central Central of CPC Department International Beijing”, in Held Roundtable Parties Ruling “China-CEEC Matej Šimal Matej Lucia Husenicová, Kristína Kironská, Filip Šebok, Matej Šimal Matej Šebok, Filip Kironská, Kristína Husenicová, Lucia China Blaha’’, Ľuboš parliamentarian Slovak China-loving the of case curious ‘‘The Šebok, Filip “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang’s Geng Spokesperson Ministry “Foreign “Laj “Bratislavský kraj chce hlbšiu odbornú spoluprácu s spoluprácu odbornú hlbšiu chce kraj “Bratislavský https://newsnow.tasr.sk/foreign/lajcak-talks-slovak-chinese-cooperation-with-wang-yi-in-beijing/ curious-case-of-the-china-loving-slovak-parliamentarian-lubos-blaha/ 26, 2019, (CHOICE), August Europe Eastern and Central in Observers html 18, November 2019,Committee, xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1680414.shtml the People’s of Affairs palac.html https://www.ta3.com/clanok/1159608/matecna-vycita-caputovej-cinu-vztahy-to-neohrozi-reaguje- rozdiely/ https://ceias.eu/sk/medzi-vyjadreniami-poslanca-blahu-a-cinskou-propagandou-su-len-minimalne- 2019, 31, August (CEIAS), Studies of Asian Institue European Central rozdiely“, https://www.tyzden.sk/svet/57078/cinske-omyly-sudruha-blahu/ normal-following-a-cool-off.html 27,November 2017, 2016, https://enrsi.rtvs.sk/articles/news/118301/dalai-lama-meets-president-andrej-kiska samosprava/medzinarodna-spolupraca/bilateralna-spolupraca/provincia-hebei-cina/ html https://www.zilinskazupa.sk/sk/aktuality/aktuality/cinska-provincia-zhejiang-je-novym-partnerom. https://www.teraz.sk/bratislavsky-kraj/bsk-chce-prehlbit-spolupracu-sanghaj/160295-clanok.html clanok/410286-cinania-maju-v-bratislave-investovat-do-letiska/ v nemame-ani-vlastny-hangar-zachranit-nas-mozu-cinania/ 6, 2016, September E, Denník Číňania”, https://ceias.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20190102_BRI_PP_FINAL.pdf 2019. štúdií, ázijských Inštitút pre Slovensko. Bratislava: cesty novej hodvábnej https://www.slov-lex.sk/legislativne-procesy/-/SK/LP/2017/203 April Republic, roky the EconomySlovak 7, na 2017-2020”, of 2017,of republikou Ministry “Fico: Sino-Slovak relations getting back to normal following a following to normal back getting relations “Fico: Sino-Slovak “Partnerské mesto Provinca Hebei (Čína)”, Prešov Region, June 29, June (Čína)”, Hebei Region, 2016, Prešov Provinca mesto “Partnerské 17, October RTVS, 2016, Kiska“, Andrej President meets Lama “Dalai Prochazka, Mojmir Ben Blanchard, “China says to retaliate after Slovak president meets Dalai Lama“, Reuters, October 17, October Reuters, Lama“, Dalai meets president Slovak after retaliate to says “China Blanchard, Ben “Mate Hana Danová, “Čínska provincia Zhejiang je novým partnerom”, Žilina Region, November 20, November Region, 2012, Žilina partnerom”, novým je Zhejiang provincia “Čínska Danová, Hana “Koncepcia rozvoja hospodárskych vzťahov medzi Slovenskou republikou a republikou Slovenskou medzi vzťahov hospodárskych rozvoja “Koncepcia See Vladimír Šnídl, “Šéf bratislavského letiska: Nemáme ani vlastný hangár, zachrániť nás môžu môžu nás zachrániť hangár, vlastný ani Nemáme letiska: bratislavského “Šéf Šnídl, Vladimír See

Bratislave investovať do letiska”, Pravda, November 8, 2011, h 8, 2011, November Pravda, do letiska”, investovať Bratislave č . . ák Talks Slovak-Chinese Cooperation with Wang Yi in Beijing”, TASR, July 4, July 2016 TASR, Beijing”, Wang in Yi with Cooperation Slovak-Chinese Talks ák https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-slovakia-dalailama-idUSKBN12H0U0 č ná vy ná . . č č č ík, “Čínske omyly súdruha Blahu“, Týždeň, July 18, 2019, July Blahu“, Týždeň, omyly súdruha “Čínske ík, ík, “Medzi vyjadreniami poslanca Blahu ač Blahu poslanca vyjadreniami “Medzi ík, íta Čaputovej Čínu. Vzťahy to neohrozí, reaguje palác”, TA3, July 12, 2019, TA3, palác”, 12, July reaguje neohrozí, to Vzťahy Čínu. Čaputovej íta https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20705412/fico-sino-slovak-relations-getting-back-to-

Republic of China, July 11, 2019, 11, July of China, Republic http://www.idcpc.org.cn/english/news/201912/t20191201_102057. . https://e.dennikn.sk/551829/sef-bratislavskeho-letiska-

Regular Press Conference”, Ministry of Foreign Conference”, Ministry Press Regular

č ínskym Šanghajom”, TASR, October 12, 2015, October Šanghajom”, TASR, ínskym https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/ ínskou propagandou sú len minimálne minimálne len sú propagandou ínskou ; Martin Majerní ; Martin . č

ttps://spravy.pravda.sk/ekonomika/ ík and Richard Q. Turcsányi. Potenciál Potenciál Q. Turcsányi. Richard and ík cool off“, The Slovak Spectator, Spectator, off“, Thecool Slovak . . .

https://chinaobservers.eu/the- . https://www.po-kraj.sk/sk/

č Čínskou ľudovou Čínskou ek, “Číňania majú majú “Číňania ek, .

. . .

. 320 319 318 317 316 315 314 313 312 311 310 309 308 307 306 305 304 303 302 301

See See See See

Author’s

Ibid.

“

Leal z “Lietadlo

Author’s Cagcu” Žilina.sk, “Chang-chun”, “Štátny tajomník rezortu diplomacie Martin Klus prijal č prijal Klus Martin diplomacie rezortu tajomník “Štátny “Sponzorská zmluva č zmluva “Sponzorská “Confucius Institutes under scrutiny in UK”, European interest, February 20, 2019, February interest, UK”,in European scrutiny under Institutes “Confucius “Twin cities of the city of Košice”, Košice.sk, of Košice”, city of the Košice.sk, cities “Twin “Úvod”, Konfúciov inštitút v inštitút “Úvod”, Konfúciov CEIAS, 2018. 2018. CEIAS, 2, 2017, November of Contracts, Registry https://www.crz.gov.sk/index.php?ID=2683972&l=sk vzdelavaci-projekt-seeds-for-future-2016/ 16, November 2016, 3Digital, a-huawei-vynimocne-partnerstvo-buducnosti https://www.uniza.sk/index.php/verejnost/uniza-a-media/tlacove-spravy/1869-zilinska-univerzita- a univerzita 4, 2016, March of Contracts, Registry https://www.crz.gov.sk/index.php?ID=4274369&l=sk https://www.europeaninterest.eu/article/confucius-institutes-scrutiny-uk/ https://www.cib.umb.sk koronavirusom-odletelo 8 redirect=%2F prijal-cinskeho-velvyslanca-sun-lijie?p_p_auth=c48lr80M&_101_INSTANCE_Iw1ppvnScIPx_ detail/-/asset_publisher/Iw1ppvnScIPx/content/statny-tajomnik-rezortu-diplomacie-martin-klus- 26, March 2020, Republic, the Slovak of Affairs European and Foreign kosice partnerske-mesta/ YCvZby4JFVMQEfZpEPuuvYWg8YsOmRX_QJ89q0 18, 2016, pripraveni-na-buducnost.pdf “Konfuciov inštitút pre obchod pri Univerzite Mateja Bela”, Univerzita Mateja Bela, Bela, Mateja Bela”, Mateja Univerzita Univerzite pri pre obchod inštitút “Konfuciov Erik Stríž, “Huawei a “Huawei Stríž, Erik “Partnerské mestá”, BanskáBystrica.sk, BanskáBystrica.sk, mestá”, “Partnerské as of 2020 mid-April as Richard Q. Tuscányi, Matej Šimal Matej Q. Tuscányi, Richard “Research agreement Related to the memorandum of understanding between = UVP“, Central Central =UVP“, between of understanding memorandum the to Related agreement “Research 24, 2019, October of Contracts, Registry Central agreement”, development and “Research ：从》：识共山唐《

2020, https://www.tyzdenvedy.sk/ https://gmkbb.edupage.org/ . https://www.postoj.sk/51415/lietadlo-z-ciny-ktore-prislo-pre-pomoc-v-suvislosti-s-

http://mk.china-embassy.org/chn/xwdt/t1373354.htm?fbclid=IwAR1QdxC-J0n-058FD-Zsx own observation. observation. own a with exchange e-mail

Číny, ktoré prišlo pre pomoc v pomoc pre Číny, prišlo ktoré

Huawei –výnimo Huawei . https://ceias.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/AMO_cina-na-slovensku-sme- 10 . 个方面推进中国

ministerstvo školstva SR uzatvorili vzdelávací projekt Seeds for Future 2016”, for Future Seeds projekt vzdelávací SR uzatvorili školstva ministerstvo . 0734/2016“, Central Registry of Contracts, November 11, 2016, 11, November of Contracts, . 0734/2016“, Registry Central . . http://www.zilina.sk/co-sa-urobilo/244/

Bratislave, Bratislave, . https://3digital.sk/huawei-a-ministerstvo-skolstva-sr-uzatvorili- č né partnerstvo budúcnosti“, University of Žilina, May 17, May 2017,Žilina, of University budúcnosti“, né partnerstvo . .

representative of the Bratislava Region. Region. Bratislava of the representative č ík, Čína na Slovensku: Sme pripravení na budúcnosť? Bratislava: Bratislava: budúcnosť? na Sme pripravení Slovensku: na Čína ík, — 中东欧国家合作 https://www.crz.gov.sk/index.php?ID=2351845&l=sk https://www.banskabystrica.sk/zivot-v-meste/o-meste/ http://konfucius.sk/sk/uvod/

https://www.crz.gov.sk/index.php?ID=3175135&l=sk . súvislosti s súvislosti https://www.kosice.sk/city/twin-cities-of-the-city-of- . . ; “Sponzorská zmluva č zmluva ; “Sponzorská

”, Chinese Embassy in North Macedonia, June June Macedonia, North in Embassy ”, Chinese . koronavírusom, odletelo”, Postoj, February February Postoj, odletelo”, koronavírusom, ínskeho veľvyslanca Sun Lijie”, Ministry of Lijie”, Sun Ministry veľvyslanca ínskeho . . https://www.mzv.sk/aktuality/ . . 0734/2016“, Central

; “Žilinská ; “Žilinská .

China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 96 China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence 339 338 337 336 335 334 333 332 331 330 329 328 327 326 325 324 323 322 321 340

“

“China’s

Ibid.

Matej Šimal U Ján Ľuboš Blaha (@LBlaha), Facebook, March 28, 2020, (@LBlaha), March Facebook, Blaha Ľuboš Samuel Wade. “Minitrue: To foreign media, on HK coverage”, China Digital Times, August 23, 2019, August Times, Digital coverage”, on HK China To media, foreign Wade.Samuel “Minitrue: Dušan Mikušovi Dušan Gabriel Kuchta, “Penta and Chinese CEFC file binding offer for TV Markíza”, The Slovak Spectator, Spectator, Markíza”, The Slovak TV offer for binding file CEFC Chinese and “Penta Kuchta, Gabriel “Weibo monthly active users grew to 462 to grew users active “Weibo monthly “Najbohatší Čech už môže ovládnuť Markízu. Akcionári schválili predaj skupine PPF”, Forbes PPF”, skupine predaj schválili Akcionári Markízu. ovládnuť môže už Čech “Najbohatší andreaturcanova.sk/posts/2439418899632266 Hu Jintao’s of President Case publication/chinas-discovery-of-central-europe/ nelichoti-cine-a-konspiroval-ze-za-epidemiami-su-biznisove-zaujmy/ 27, N, March 2020, záujmy”, Denník biznisové posts/2571760299729200 950104943558/2580021725569724/?type=3&__tn__=-R https://www.facebook.com/LBlaha/posts/2581833862055177?__tn__=K-R http://sk.china-embassy.org/chn/sgxx/dongtai1/t1758420.htm 2020, 中国驻斯洛伐克使馆 https://www.cib.umb.sk 中国驻斯洛伐克使馆 akcionari-schvalili-predaj-skupine-ppf/ 27,Slovensko, February 2020, for-tv-markiza.html 20, 2017,December https://chinadigitaltimes.net/2019/08/minitrue-to-foreign-media-on-hong-kong-coverage/ https://chinaobservers.eu/chinas-fight-against-erroneous-opinions/ 6, 2019,March Wevkd2xxj0LDajbziBHdACFvkdnCXPK5REeYebO6ZPA https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2019-08-21/doc-ihytcitn0882201.shtml?fbclid=IwAR05h-Btu5cuW8QP opinions/ 3, 2019, (CHOICE), September Europe trend-archiv/rok-2018/cislo-17/cinska-ekonomika-chce-silnejsie-korene-2.html budovanie-globalnej-komunity-zdielanej-buducnosti-2.html 25, 2018, April Gabriela Pleschová, Rudolf Fürst, “Mobilizing Overseas Chinese to Back up Chinese Diplomacy: The Diplomacy: up Chinese Back to Chinese Overseas “Mobilizing Fürst, Rudolf Pleschová, Gabriela Andrea Tur Andrea 17, (@LBlaha), March Facebook, 2020, Blaha Ľuboš Matej Šimal Lin Lin, “Odpoveď Číny na otázky doby: budovanie globálnej komunity zdieľanej budúcnosti”, Etrend, Etrend, budúcnosti”, zdieľanej komunity globálnej budovanie doby: otázky na Číny “Odpoveď Lin, Lin Ľuboš Blaha (@LBlaha), Facebook, March 26, 2020, (@LBlaha), March Facebook, Blaha Ľuboš 驻斯洛伐克使馆致信驳斥斯《经济报》不当涉华言论驻斯洛伐克大使在斯主流杂志发表涉港署名文章 č https://twitter.com/ChinaEmbSVK/status/1241057201772539915 eň, “Čínska ekonomika chce silnejšie korene”, Etrend, April 25, 2018, korene”, April Etrend, silnejšie chce ekonomika “Čínska eň,

Discovery of Central Europe”, Slovak Foreign Policy Association, 2016, Association, Policy Foreign Europe”, Slovak of Central Discovery . č čík, “China´s čík, “China´s anová (@andreaturcanova.sk), Facebook, December 30, 2019, December Facebook, (@andreaturcanova.sk), anová https://www.chinainternetwatch.com/28566/weibo-fiscal-2018/ https://www.etrend.sk/trend-archiv/rok-2018/cislo-17/odpoved-ciny-na-otazky-doby- č , “Fico karhal Matovi karhal , “Fico https://spectator.sme.sk/c/20723351/penta-and-chinese-cefc-file-binding-offer- . Čínske veľvyslanectvo na Slovensku (@ChinaEmbSVK), Twitter, 20,March (@ChinaEmbSVK), Slovensku na veľvyslanectvo Čínske Čínske veľvyslanectvo na Slovensku (@ChinaEmbSVK), Twitter, (@ChinaEmbSVK), Slovensku na veľvyslanectvo Čínske .

fight against erroneous opinions”, China Observers, September 3, 2019,September Observers, opinions”,China erroneous against fight Eastern and Central in Observers opinions”,China erroneous against fight .

Visit to Slovakia in 2009”, Problems of Post-Communism 62 of 2009”, Post-Communism in Problems Slovakia to Visit https://www.forbes.sk/najbohatsi-cech-uz-moze-ovladnut-markizu- https://chinaobservers.eu/chinas-fight-against-erroneous- č . a, že nelichotí Číne, a Číne, nelichotí že a,

million in Dec 2018, 93% on mobile”, China Internet Watch, 2018, Dec 93% Internet on in mobile”, China million https://dennikn.sk/1825057/fico-karhal-matovica-ze- . ”, Sina, August 21, 2019, 21, ”, August Sina, . https://www.facebook.com/LBlaha/ https://www.facebook.com/LBlaha/photos/a.2052

”, Chinese Embassy in Slovakia, March 20, 2020, March Slovakia, in Embassy ”, Chinese . . .

konšpiroval, že za epidémiami sú sú epidémiami za že konšpiroval, . . . .

https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.etrend.sk/ . . http://www.sfpa.sk/

(2015). . 342 341 355 354 353 352 351 350 349 348 347 346 345 344 343

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China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence