China Observers

A pilot audit by CHOICE analysts looks at the diverse China policies of Central and Eastern European countries, analyzing their external pressures, internal responses, and strategic choices. Together with authors and guests Ivana Karaskova, Konrad Szatters and Selena Orly, we discuss regional trends and the specific cases of Poland, Czechia, and Serbia.

China is now  the fastest-growing producer of nuclear energy in the world, and it is projected to surpass the U.S. in total capacity by 2030. But how and why is Beijing pushing for such fast-paced development of the sector?Guests Tong Zhao (Carnegie Endowment) and Paulína Ovečková (AMO) explore China's rapid development in nuclear energy, its civil-military fusion, and the geopolitical implications of its nuclear policies. They discuss China's ambitions, challenges, and the global context of nuclear proliferation and security.#China #nuclear #energy # weapons #civil #military #fusion #proliferation #geopolitics #security #renewable #international #cooperation

Between facial recognition and AI-generated faces, what is special about facial technologies in China ? And what is the future of faces in China?This episode explores the cultural and political implications of face-related technologies in China, including facial recognition, AI-generated faces, and biometric surveillance, with insights from scholars Margaret Hillenbrand and Xuenan Cao.#China #Beijing #facial #recognition #AI #surveillance #socialmedia #legislation #culture #politics #Asia

China feeds 20% of the world with just 9% of global arable land. In this episode, we explore China's food security challenges, the impact of geopolitical tensions, environmental issues, and technological innovations in agriculture.Host: Emma BelmonteGuest: Genevieve Donnellon-MayRead Genevieve's articles for CHOICE hereRead all of CHOICE's articles on our ⁠website#China #Beijing #geopolitics #climate #foodsecurity #agriculture , #GM #climatechange #Xijinping #technology

Are you at a very Chinese time in your life ? In this episode Host Emma Belmonte welcomes two guests Zeyi Yang and Jessica Imbach to explore the Chinamaxxing trend, its origins, societal reactions, and implications for cultural perception and soft power.Read all of CHOICE's articles on our ⁠websitePaulína Ovečková's article about chinamaxxing here#ChinaMaxxing #China #Beijing #Socialmedia #CulturalExchange #TikTokTrends #ChinaCulture #GlobalConversation #Chinesebaddy #Beingchinese

What form do China’s information manipulation and influence activities take in Europe ? What narratives do they push ?  How do they reach European audiences ? What is there to learn from the specific case of Poland and the Czech Republic ? Alicja  Bachulska (ECFR) and Konrad Szatters (AMO) discuss their recent policy brief “Borrowed mouths and laundered messages: China’s influence playbook in Europe”.Read all of CHOICE's articles on our ⁠website⁠#China #foreigninfluence #Europe #EU  #FIMI #disinformation #policy

What does this year hold for China-EU relations? In this episode of China Observers, host Emma Belmonte speaks with Etienne Soula about the evolving dynamics between the European Union and China in 2026. They discuss the impact of recent US developments on European perceptions of China, the significance of bilateral visits by European leaders, and the challenges posed by Germany's economic relationship with China. The conversation also covers the EU's new economic security agenda, trade disputes, cybersecurity threats, and concerns regarding Chinese ownership of critical infrastructure. Additionally, they touch on the diminishing focus on human rights issues in EU-China relations and conclude with reflections on the uncertain future of these interactions.Read all of CHOICE's articles on our website#China #EU #economic #security # economy #trade #tariffs #cybersecurity #critical #infrastructure #humanrights #IAA #IndustrialAcceleratorAct #EuropeanUnion #geopolitics #US #2026

What are the implications of China's presence in the Western Balkans when it comes to EU enlargement ? The conversation delves into China's strategic investments, the varying degrees of engagement with different countries in the region, and the backlash against certain projects. Vladimir Shopov (ECFR) discusses with host Emma Belmonte the evolving nature of China's approach, the EU's response to Chinese influence, and the implications for EU accession processes. Read Vladimir Shopov's policy brief here: Eyes wide shut: How to read China’s playbook in the Western BalkansTo read more on this, here are some of CHOICE's articles on the topic: The Environmental Impact of Chinese Projects in the Western Balkans “Win Some, Lose Some”: China’s Involvement in the Extractive and Raw Materials Industries in the Western Balkans China’s Aid in the Western Balkans: Supporting Development, Undermining Good Governance#China #WesternBalkans #EU #EUaccession #BRI #BeltandRoadInitiative #Chineseinvestments #infrastructure, #politics #europeanpolitics #europe #china-europe #China-EU #civilsociety #accession #enlargement #geopolitics

In an era where narratives shape perceptions, China is redefining how it tells its story on the international stage. In this episode, we explore the intricate strategies China employs to reshape its global image, moving from traditional propaganda to more engaging content tailored to local audiences. Host: Emma BelmonteGuests: Dr. David O'Brien and Joanna Nawrotkiewicz,#China #Beijing #ChinaCommunication #Geopolitics #GlobalNarratives #Media #SoftPower #Influencers #CGTN, #Diplomacy #International Relations.

Europeans have misunderstood the Sino-Russian friendship and its implications. But how can we change course ? This episode delve into the complex relationship between China and Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine war and European perceptions. In discussion with host Emma Belmonte, China-experts Ivana Karaskova (CHOICE) and Alicja Bachulska (ECFR) discuss how Central and Eastern European countries have a different understanding of this relationship compared to Western Europe, emphasising the mentality of fear that drives Chinese leadership. #China #Russia #Ukraine #EuropeanUnion #EU #geopolitics #foreign relations #security #diplomacy #authoritarianism, #internationalrelations