Sinologist: China benefits economically from the war in Ukraine | iRADIO

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Europe for the first official visit in five years. How important is that path? Is she more polite, or can we expect some important agreements and important things from her?
It is important as an expression of an ongoing effort that is not as visible as this visit. It marks the continuation of communication between Europe and China.

“China and Russia are partners in international political issues,” explains Sinologist Olga Lomová

In this case, it is specifically the French effort to build on the positive aspects of cooperation with China and at the same time draw attention to European interests, which very often go against China’s interests. Judging by the Chinese press, it is a big presentation of China’s success in the world, the importance of China and the success of General Secretary Xi Jinping.

President Si is heading to three countries in Europe – France, Serbia and Hungary. Why these three states?
We can interpret from this what the relations between China and these states are. He is heading to France as an important large state of the European Union, which has been sending signals since President Macron’s recent visit to China that he wants to cooperate.

Then there is Serbia, which is not a member of the European Union and which is a close ally of the People’s Republic of China in many respects. Among other things, it reinforces China’s anti-American discourse, as it constantly recalls the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, which is a big story in Chinese history.

Then there is Hungary, which very opportunistically meets Chinese demands and is such an ally of China in the European Union. But the Chinese side is trying to inject anti-Americanism into French politics as well. It is a kind of distance and an effort by France for an independent policy that will not be dependent on the United States.

When the Chinese president goes to Europe for the first time after a five-year hiatus, he skips Brussels, he skips Germany. What is this message?
It reflects the fact that the European Union has recently come to its senses and firmly stood against the unfair practices of, for example, Chinese trade.

She began to consistently demand what had been talked about for a long time – for European companies in China the conditions they have in Europe. At the same time, it is related to a clear policy towards Russia and criticism towards China’s relationship with Russia, when China keeps Russia strong so that it can crush Ukraine.

Strip the US of influence

After arriving in Paris, Xi Jinping said that China regards Europe as a foreign policy priority and views China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. Is it more of a diplomatic phrase, or does China really consider relations with the EU to be a priority at the moment, perhaps even considering the fact that there will be elections in America, when it is possible that Donald Trump will return to the White House?
China has long considered Europe to be a very important strategic area that it wants to have as its partner. The United States plays a role in this, but in a slightly different sense.

Since Xi Jinping came to power, Chinese policy has become increasingly anti-American and motivated by the desire to deprive the United States of the influence it has in world politics and international organizations.

The geopolitical power of the United States is also our European geopolitical power. China’s policy clearly aims to separate Europe and the United States from each other. To divert Europe from the same interests that the United States has and that we have to a large extent. Thus isolating the United States and achieving its goal.

The possible election of Trump is a completely different category of thinking. At this point, it seems to me that the idea of ​​Trump becoming president is positive for China.

That he would win and the relations would be even more heated?
China would succeed in separating Europe and the United States. The disputes that are between the United States and China could move to such a level that China would gain the upper hand.

Profit from war

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrote yesterday (Monday) in connection with the meeting with the Chinese president that China and the EU have a common interest in peace and security. Isn’t this quote from Ursula von der Leyen rather an expression of the proverb that wish is the father of thought?
Certainly. But it can also be a smart move for China – to put it in such a light and thereby move it in this direction, but it is definitely unrealistic. China has completely different interests. China is comfortable with the war, it profits from it economically and geopolitically.

Russia’s and China’s interests are so strong in this geopolitical area at the moment that I can’t imagine they want to pressure Russia to change its aggression in Ukraine anytime soon.

How does China benefit from all this?
It clearly benefits economically. It filled the space vacated by Western companies and obtains oil, gas and energy at a very favorable price. China and Russia are also partners in international political issues.

Russia thus becomes a very close ally in China’s anti-American campaign. China also has an eminent interest in Russian military technology. Although it is economically much more dynamic than Russia, it does not have some advanced military and space technologies, and it is very important for them.

What are China’s interests in the Middle East? Why does China not open up about human rights issues? And what should the fair trade rules that French President Emmanuel Macron talked about look like? Listen to the full interview at the top of the article.

Tomáš Pancíř, fos

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