It is undeniable that China has conquered the status of world power in the 21st century. Where previously known as the manufacturer of cheap toys and clothes, its rising economy has surpassed the expectations of many a spectator, solidifying a position of power in the international arena. The USA is only starting to realize what Russia had already recognized long ago: there’s a new guy in town. China casts a long shadow and, much to the US’ dismay, Russia has been able to benefit from this. Putin and Jinping scratch each other’s backs and remain amicable in international discourse, leaving both the EU and the US rather befuddled on the sidelines.
Yet in modern day Ukraine, its politicians are mainly occupied with Russia, the USA and the EU, seemingly completely forgetting that this new player even exists. Yes, China has become Ukraine’s number one trading partner, surpassing even Russia, that held the position for years. Yes, Ukraine cooperates with Chinese investors and eagerly participates (or aids) in projects such as the One Belt One Road Initiative. Yes, Ukraine opens its markets to China and doesn’t seem to oppose further bilateral cooperation.
But – and there’s the rub – Ukraine does so without a plan.
There’s no clear communication, no partnership agreement, no politically thought-through strategy. There’s no assessment of what this bilateral future would look like. There’s no understanding of Chinese expansionism and the dangers of tying oneself too closely to a non-democratic regime. While the EU and the USA are busy sorting out the internal consequences of this renewed balance on the scale of international relations, Ukraine is merrily going along, unaware of the possible dangers of ill-advised friendships and debts owed.
The EU and the US, as Ukraine’s dutiful parents, are failing to warn it against straying further away from Western democracy. Ukraine – already fragile because of the aggression of its neighbouring state – is failing to recognize the dangers of the spill-over effect that authoritarian regimes have. The geographical, economic and sociopolitical proximity to states such as Russia and China, has long-term effects that could reverse the stabilization of a brittle and young democracy.
It’s a necessity for the Ukrainian government to start mobilizing a committee on Ukrainian-Chinese relations, consisting of the most qualified experts on the matter, and start asking them the important questions: What are all the possible outcomes of the progression of this bilateral relationship? How can we guarantee the safety of our liberal democracy and continue to strive towards the implementation of Western values, while also maintaining healthy relations with such a world power? What might China’s stakes be in the continuation of the Ukrainian-Russian war in the East?
Thanks to the One Belt One Road Initiative, the long arm of China reaches all the way to Europe. It enables easier and faster trade, as well as a geographical connectivity that could kick-start an exchange of political culture. However, if Ukraine doesn’t commit to geo-political planning, the fundamental cores of its painstakingly built democracy might be washed away by the waves of international politics.
