China Entering Europe's Backdoor: Analysis of China's strategic narrative within the Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries with a focus on the Czech Republic and Serbia
Author
Krol, Krystyna
Term
4. term
Publication year
2019
Submitted on
2019-05-15
Abstract
This thesis examines how China frames its role in Central and Eastern Europe through the China–CEEC (16+1) cooperation platform, focusing on the Czech Republic and Serbia. It asks: Which strategic narrative does China use in these two countries through the China–CEEC cooperation? Using the concept of strategic narrative and the English School as the theoretical framework, the study conducts a qualitative analysis of China’s messaging and practices in the mechanism, including themes highlighted in the annual Guidelines for Cooperation. The analysis finds that Beijing presents itself as a peaceful, non‑competitive partner seeking mutually beneficial “win‑win” cooperation rather than challenging the European Union. In Serbia, China supports EU integration and emphasizes respect for state sovereignty in relation to Kosovo, and across the mechanism it encourages adherence to EU legislation, reinforcing a non‑confrontational posture. These themes—mutual benefit, respect, equality and shared stability—align with English School ideas of international society and indicate China’s aim to be perceived as a “normal power” cooperating with both CEE states and the EU. The study covers the 16+1 format prior to Greece’s 2019 accession and contributes to understanding China’s narrative projection in an EU‑influenced region.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan Kina iscenesætter sin rolle i Central- og Østeuropa gennem samarbejdsplatformen Kina–Central- og Østeuropæiske Lande (16+1), med fokus på Tjekkiet og Serbien. Det besvarer spørgsmålet: Hvilken strategisk fortælling anvender Kina i disse to lande gennem Kina–CEE-samarbejdet? Med udgangspunkt i begrebet strategisk fortælling og Den Engelske Skole som teoretisk ramme gennemføres en kvalitativ analyse af Kinas budskaber og praksis i mekanismen, herunder temaer fremhævet i de årlige Guidelines for Cooperation. Analysen viser, at Beijing fremstiller sig som en fredelig, ikke‑konkurrerende partner, der søger gensidigt fordelagtigt “win‑win”-samarbejde frem for at udfordre EU. I Serbien støtter Kina EU‑integration og betoner respekt for statssuverænitet i relation til Kosovo, og på tværs af mekanismen opfordrer det til overholdelse af EU‑lovgivning, hvilket understøtter en ikke‑konfrontatorisk profil. Temaerne – gensidig nytte, respekt, lighed og fælles stabilitet – harmonerer med Den Engelske Skoles idé om internationalt samfund og peger på, at Kina ønsker at blive opfattet som en “normal magt”, der samarbejder med både CEE‑landene og EU. Undersøgelsen omhandler 16+1‑formatet før Grækenlands tilslutning i 2019 og bidrager til forståelsen af Kinas narrative projektion i et EU‑præget område.
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Keywords