Recently, both the Czech Republic and Germany have published their new national security strategies, which – among other things – have mentioned China. In the absence of China strategies of the both countries, which have been postponed and still remain to be released, the national strategic documents offer at least some glimpse into Berlin and Prague’s thinking on the issue.

Upon taking office in December 2021, the Czech coalition government pledged to review the relations with China to mark a departure from the more pragmatic China approach of the previous governments and the outright pro-Beijing stance of former President Miloš Zeman. So far, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, tasked with the recalibration of China policy, remains rather elusive as to the content of the review. In words of CHOICE leader Ivana Karásková: „Czech China strategy reminds me of Mrs. Colombo, the wife of the main character in the TV detective series. While she is frequently referred to, nobody has ever seen her.“

However, the outcome will hardly bring any surprises. According to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Jiří Kozák, it should be in line with the approach that we have seen from the government so far. Thus the revised relations should put more emphasis on human rights as well as deepening ties with Taiwan. The government also wants to focus on greater control of inbound investment from China.