China’s Updated Playbook in the Western Balkans

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

What do you know about the climate crisis in Tibet ? And what about the effect of Chinese policies and development projects on the Tibetan environment ? Dr. Lobsang Yangtso discusses the impact of hydropower dams, the concept of green colonialism, and the resilience of Tibetan nomads in protecting their land and culture. The dialogue highlights the importance of Tibet's natural resources to China and the often overlooked environmental costs associated with these developments.Hosted and Produces by Emma Belmonte.#Tibet #COP30 #climate #environment #dams #earthquakes #indigenousrights #hydropower #China #greenpolicies #Tibetannomads #colonialism

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. Guests: 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

In this thought-provoking episode, we examine the geopolitical ripple effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine across the Indo-Pacific region, with special focus on China's diplomatic positioning and evolving Asian responses. Our expert guest unpacks the strategic realignment between Ukraine and South Korea as they navigate the challenges posed by deepening Russia-North Korea military cooperation. The conversation offers fresh insights into the emerging power dynamics reshaping security architecture across continents, revealing how new alliances between authoritarian states are transforming international relations in both Europe and Asia.This month's guest: Nataliya Butyrska is an independent expert on East Asia. She is an author of more than 100 analytical articles and reports on the issues of international relations with a special focus on the Indo-Pacific region and Ukraine's relations with Asian countries. She is also one of the co-chairs for our Women Insight on China Initiative. Links:https://zn.ua/eng/why-south-korea-is-still-afraid-to-provide-weapons-to-ukraine.html https://chinaobservers.eu/china-probes-the-ground-for-negotiations-in-the-russian-ukrainian-war/ https://chinaobservers.eu/ukraines-futile-struggle-to-win-chinas-support-over-the-russian-aggression/ https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-02-24/national/diplomacy/North-KoreaRussia-cooperation-escalates-global-threats-says-Ukrainian-ambassador-to-Seoul/2248927 https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3809763-ukraine-should-explore-closer-ties-with-south-korea-in-face-of-russiadprk-cooperation-expert.html 

In this episode, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of hosting a pan-cultural podcast in China, exploring what resonates with the younger generation and the daily struggles they face. We discuss the unique experience of a Chinese journalist reporting to both Chinese and Western audiences, navigating the complexities of bridging these two worlds. The conversation also touches on the role of podcasts in fostering alternative spaces for discussing taboo topics, including feminist activism in China, and the changing media landscape. Finally, we explore how podcasts can serve as a less-censored medium for communication in an increasingly controlled environment.This month's guest: Ruohan Xie is an independent journalist and podcaster from China. She hosts and co-founded the award-winning podcast The Weirdos (不合时宜) with over a million subscribers. The podcast invites young Chinese experts to discuss current affairs and cultural topics. The podcast received the "Biggest New Shows of 2020 Award" from Apple Podcasts and featured in major media outlets such as The Economist, AFP, and Global Voices, for promoting progressive values in China. As a journalist, she has published in Wall Street Journal China, Initium Media, Sixth Tone, and Southern People Weekly covering subjects such as forced evictions in Beijing, the Ukraine War and the refugee crisis in Lebanon. She is a recipient of various journalism fellowships in Europe.Links:https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/asia/article/3140278/podcasts-burst-scene-china-despite-strict-media-controls https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1007626 https://www.economist.com/china/2020/08/27/podcasting-provides-a-space-for-free-thought-in-china https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2021/07/07/2003760444 

In this episode, we delve into the intricate and often tense relationship between Asia's two giants - China and India. Our expert guest unpacks the multifaceted challenges shaping this critical bilateral relationship, from the persistent Himalayan border disputes to strategic concerns over China's massive dam projects in Tibet and their potential weaponization of water resources. The conversation explores India's delicate diplomatic balancing act between competing power blocs, navigating its roles in both the China-led BRICS and the US-centered Quad alliance while maintaining its tradition of strategic autonomy. This geopolitical examination extends to India's cautious position on Taiwan and culminates with insights on how the return of Trump to the White House might reshape the triangular dynamics between Washington, Beijing, and New Delhi in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region.This month's guest: Sriparna Pathak is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Admissions to Associate Dean of Careers at the Jindal School of International Affairs of O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India. She teaches courses on Foreign Policy of China as well as Theories of International Relations. Her previous work experience covers Gauhati University, Don Bosco University; the Ministry of External Affairs, where she worked as a Consultant for the Policy Planning and Research Division, working on China’s domestic and foreign policies; think tanks like Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi and Kolkata respectively, South Asia Democratic Forum in Brussels where she is a Research Fellow and the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research in New Delhi where she worked as a researcher. Show Notes:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f89b5uPPl3w https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/escalating-conflicts-between-china-and-the-us https://www.gmfus.org/news/status-and-trajectory-india-china-relations https://chinaglobalsouth.com/analysis/what-to-expect-from-china-india-relations-in-2025/ 

In this episode, we explore the growing presence of Chinese electric vehicle companies like BYD and Leapmotor in Europe, challenging the region’s automotive dominance despite efforts like EU tariffs. The story unfolds with Germany's industrial base grappling with the "second China shock," revealing how its overreliance on China has left it vulnerable in the face of shifting global dynamics. As Central and Eastern Europe finds itself caught between German supply chains and increasing Chinese influence, the episode delves into the consequences of this dependency and the tough choices facing these economies. We also explore how Europe is being forced to rethink its approach, shifting from a traditional market mindset to one that embraces system competitiveness, all while considering the potential creation of Special Economic Zones to safeguard the region’s future. It’s a story of shifting power, economic risks, and the evolving battle for industrial dominance in Europe. This episode belongs to the special series which is part of the collaboration between CHOICE, ECFR, and OSW. Janka Oertel is director of the Asia programme and a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. She previously worked as a senior fellow in the Asia programme at the German Marshall Fund of the United States’ Berlin office, where she focused on transatlantic China policy including on emerging technologies, Chinese foreign policy, and security in east Asia. Prior to joining the GMF, she served as a programme director at Körber Foundation’s Berlin office. She was also a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP Berlin) and worked at United Nations Headquarters, New York, as a Carlo-Schmid fellow.Jakub Jakóbowski Deputy Director of the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) and the head of the China Department, having previosly served as the coordinator of the „Connectivity in Eurasia” project and a Senior Fellow on China’s economy. Formerly a Taiwan Fellow at Soochow University in Taipei and a European China Policy Fellow at the Mercator Institute for China Studies (MERICS). He holds a PhD in political science from the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), based on a dissertation on China’s foreign economic policy towards the Global South. He gives lectures at the Warsaw University and the Warsaw School of Economics. Member of a number of international projects and associations, including the Think Visegrad, China Observers in Central Europe (CHOICE) and the Horizon 2020 EU-STRAT project.  Read their paper Electric shock: The Chinese threat to Europe’s industrial heartland here!

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Sino-Russian intelligence cooperation, examining whether their partnership is truly boundless or if there are limits to their collaboration. We explore how historical experiences have influenced their contemporary intelligence strategies and the dynamics of their cooperation both before and after the Sino-Soviet rapprochement. Additionally, we discuss the independent nature of their respective intelligence agencies, the role of Taiwan in Russia's operations against China, and the intricacies of managing intelligence-related issues. Finally, we look at how their intelligence operations intersect in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Europe. This episode is part of our special series featuring Japanese thinkers and academics on current Indo-Pacific affairs and in the field of foreign and security policies. This month's guest: Sanshiro Hosaka is a Research Fellow at the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS) in Estonia. His current research interests include strategic narrative, disinformation, political technology, Soviet/Russian active measures, intelligence history, epistemic community, Sino-Russian relations, and Baltic security. Previously, he served as a Project Management Officer in the Japan-funded intergovernmental committees in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation in Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus. He also worked at Japanese diplomatic missions in Dushanbe and Kyiv. Show notes:https://icds.ee/en/a-forbidden-zone-of-no-limits-friendship-possibilities-and-constraints-in-sino-russia/https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/china-russia-alignment-cooperation-ukraine-war-military-supplies-putin-xi-jinpin/ https://www.fpri.org/article/2024/11/intelligence-china-russia-information-operations-against-nato/ https://www.marshallcenter.org/en/publications/clock-tower-security-series/strategic-competition-seminar-series/russia-and-chinas-intelligence-and-information-operations-nexus 

Disclaimer: This episode has been recorded in February 2025.In this exploration of Lithuania's bold diplomatic stance on Taiwan, Lithuania’s former Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis provides a first-hand account of navigating the complex geopolitical tensions between Beijing, Taipei, and Vilnius. The conversation examines China's escalating pressure tactics following Lithuania's controversial decision to open a Taiwanese representative office, offering valuable lessons for democracies confronting authoritarian coercion. Our guest analyzes the strategic linkages between Russia's war in Ukraine and Indo-Pacific security challenges, evaluating NATO's evolving approach to China and questioning whether Western powers are sending appropriate deterrence signals. The episode delivers rare insights into how smaller democratic nations can shape international relations while navigating the increasingly interconnected security challenges across Europe and Asia.This month's guest: Gabrielius Landsbergis is a Lithuanian politician and diplomat who served as Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2020 until November 2024. Links: https://geopolitique.eu/en/2025/01/14/a-conversation-with-gabrielius-landsbergis-lithuanias-former-minister-of-foreign-affairs/ https://kyivindependent.com/us-russia-talks-are-the-last-warning-for-europe-gabrielius-landsbergis-says/ https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2423737/nato-must-draw-red-lines-for-russia-over-hybrid-attacks-lithuanian-fm https://asiasociety.org/policy-institute/resilience-resolve-lessons-lithuanias-experience-chinese-economic-coercion https://globaltaiwan.org/2022/07/lithuanias-confrontation-with-china-over-taiwan-lessons-from-a-small-country/