MapInfluenCE founder and analyst Ivana Karásková was cited by Reuters China in regard to the potential retaliation, or “stick”, China might utilize to punish the Czech Republic for Senate President Vystrcil’s recent visit to Taiwan.
The issue has become especially pertinent as officials, including State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have warned of imminent retributive action.
In this regard, Karásková commented that fears may be overblown, at least on the economic front.
“Even if China completely cuts off economic and trade ties with the Czech Republic, the impact on Czech GDP will not exceed one percent.”
Reuters, paraphrasing Karaskova’s work
Still, China has more than simply economic levers to pull. These potential levers and the means by which they can be utilized in Czechia as well as its neighbors is available in MapInfluenCE policy paper China’s Sticks and Carrots in Central Europe: The Logic and Power of Chinese Influence
The full article from Reuters China is available here.
Image source: Cancillería del Ecuador/flickr
