China Monitor Articles
Crisis on the Polish-Belarusian Border. Can China Help to Get Out of It?
The Polish-Belarusian border crisis is definitely one of the most significant events of 2021, both in the European and international arena. Not only Lithuania (which is struggling with the same situation), but also important European players, such as Germany and France, the United States, as well as international organizations, for instance, NATO or the European Union, are already showing interest in the problem. According to political and media circles, China could play a significant part in solving this situation.
Beijing Winter Olympics and the Shadow of a Political Boycott
On November 21, 2021, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has lowered the rank of its diplomatic representation in the Republic of Lithuania, following recent developments in the country’s political rapprochement with the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan), which is not recognized by Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that ties would be downgraded to the level of chargé d’affaires, a rank that is lower than ambassador.
Summit for Democracy: China’s Response
The Summit for Democracy, a new meeting format proposed by the US, will be held online on December 9-10, 2021. China was not included in the list of invited countries. Both the Chinese authorities and the state-owned media reacted negatively to this. It was also an opportunity to criticize American democracy, reiterate the “One China” policy, and deepen ties with Russia.
China Downgraded its Diplomatic Representation in Lithuania
On November 21, 2021, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has lowered the rank of its diplomatic representation in the Republic of Lithuania, following recent developments in the country’s political rapprochement with the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan), which is not recognized by Beijing. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that ties would be downgraded to the level of chargé d’affaires, a rank that is lower than ambassador.
Chinese Influence in the Slovak Information and Media Space
In recent years, the Slovak information and media space has been struggling with active disinformation actors, who have been quite willing to disseminate mostly pro-Russian narratives. China is currently an almost unknown phenomenon for Slovaks.
Cooperation with Africa on the Current Chinese Agenda
On November 16, 2021, Li Keqiang, the Premier of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), attended the 4th Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation. The meeting is another stage of preparation before the larger FOCAC summit. What is more, the Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce presented the latest data on trade.
CCP’s Sixth Plenary Session. Xi forever?
On Monday, November 8, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCCPC) commenced its sixth plenum in Beijing. During the meeting, which ended on Thursday, about 300 members of the Party, led by Xi Jinping, adopted a resolution which glorifies the Party’s achievements over the past century, especially those under Xi’s leadership.
Wang Yi Visits Four European Countries
On October 27-29, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Wang Yi, visited four European countries: Italy, Greece, Albania and Serbia . His visit to the Old Continent was preceded by a meeting with representatives of the Taliban government in Qatar.
Security a Priority During Talks Between Wang Yi and the Taliban in Doha
The withdrawal of US military forces from Afghanistan has been widely commented around the world, and has also raised speculation about the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) deeper involvement in the region. Beijing maintains relations with the new Afghan government, but this should not be perceived as a sign of a major change in China’s approach towards the country. Ensuring stability in the region remains a priority.
Josep Borrell’s Speech, Challenging Issues of Lithuania and Taiwan
The relations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with both the European Union (EU) and Taiwan have become complicated recently. These difficult events were summarized in a speech delivered at the Plenary of the European Parliament by Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, on behalf of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
China, Russia Hold Joint Naval Maneuvers
China-Russia military drills Naval Interaction-2021 began on Thursday, October 14, near Russia’s Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. This is another rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow, which might lead to an alliance. Moreover, it highlights the need to respond to aggressive actions of the West, as China and Russia perceive them.
Yang-Sullivan Meeting
Yang Jiechi, a Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office, met with Jake Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, in Zurich, Switzerland on October 6. The summit was widely regarded as successful. Chinese experts note that bilateral relations are improving, but are also aware of the long-standing rivalry between the two countries.
Chinese Industry and Global Supply Chains Hit by Energy Shortages
In recent weeks, China has been facing a severe electricity shortage, which affected millions of households and manufacturing companies. The problem is particularly grave in the northeastern provinces of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Mounting Tensions Between Taipei and Beijing Mark the Anniversary of the 1911 Revolution
Relations between the governments of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) have been, from a geopolitical standpoint, one of the hotspots in the Asia-Pacific region since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The administration of the incumbent President of the PRC Xi Jinping is emphasizing the special role of the island in Chinese policy and strategy.
Warsaw Institute
