West entering era of strategic competition with autocracies - Czech president

This was stated by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, during a lecture at the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, where he studied years ago, Ukrinform reports with reference to ČTK.

As an example, the head of state cited Russia, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and China, which is economically strengthening its influence around the world. Democratic-minded countries must cooperate in order to successfully oppose the two powers, Pavel is convinced.

He recalled that, when he studied there in 2005, international terrorism was discussed a lot after the collapse of the bipolar world, Soviet Union, and Warsaw Pact. Most believed that only “rosy” times, full of cooperation and understanding, await the world. At that time, no one had any idea that another confrontation at the level of major powers was going to unfold, especially between nuclear powers.

Russia is interested not only in Ukraine, the Czech leader is convinced. He noted that Russian officials make no secret of their intentions to restore the “greatness” of the former USSR. Moscow is also increasing its influence in Africa through their Wagner Group mercenaries.

China, in turn, uses not military, but economic instruments. As an example, the president cited the fact that Beijing partially or fully owns a number of critical infrastructure facilities in Europe, including sea ports.

If democracies want to preserve the current world order with international legal norms, human rights and the methods and procedures of cooperation, they will have to unite and create a sufficient counterweight to China, Russia, and other countries that are now forming an anti-western block, Pavel explained.

According to him, it is not only about Europe or North America, but also about other countries, for example, those in the Indo-Pacific region.

These countries, Pavel noted, are interested in developing cooperation with Europe to create a balance in their region in relation to China. While they are unwilling to create a conflict or confrontation with China, they understand that more trade and contacts with the countries of Europe and North America will be mutually beneficial, said the politician.

Wrapping up his lecture, he added that he sees competition in the field of trade and taxes between Europe and the U.S. as counterproductive. The European Union and the United States must overcome "minor issues" in order to create a sufficient economic counterweight to China, otherwise Beijing will use this split to successfully advance its interests, Pavel is convinced.

The president of the Czech Republic is in London to take part in the ceremonies on the occasion of the coronation of King Charles III.

Earlier, the president of the Czech Republic, who is a former NATO general, paid a visit to Ukraine.