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.

#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 Balkans

To 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/