Redaktorka týdeníku Naše pravda In her speech at a meeting dedicated to Czech-Chinese cooperation, Helena Kočová described how, after years of decline, concrete signs of warming relations are beginning to reappear. According to her, China is closely monitoring political developments in the Czech Republic and responding to them with growing interest in renewing trade and personal contacts.

Kočová cited the recent trade conference between Prague and the Chinese province of Jiangxi as an example. According to her, it was the first major event of its kind in many years, as similar meetings were interrupted first by COVID-19 and then by a cooling of relations. She said the conference was intended to show that the Chinese side „is well aware of the changes“ and is ready to revive bilateral cooperation.

Positive signals were also heard from Czech institutions. Kočová recalled the speech by Richard Hlavatý, representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, who expressed his expectation that the new government would open up space for broader bilateral trade. Ilja Mazánek, a representative of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed a similar view, emphasising the economic importance of the business sector and pointing to the potential of the Chinese market, especially the growing middle class.

The possibility of industrial cooperation was also mentioned in the speech. Kočová mentioned the automotive sector and the names of large Chinese companies that are expanding into Europe. According to her, cooperation would not only mean investment and jobs, but also the sharing of know-how: the Czech Republic can bring innovation and ideas, while China is capable of quickly putting new ideas into practice.

She also identified energy and mineral resources, including rare metals, as promising areas where, in her view, there is scope for linking Chinese resources with Czech technical know-how.

According to Kočová, tourism is a separate issue. She recalled the debate on the restoration of air links and mentioned the planned new connection to Hainan Island, which she described as an attractive tropical destination. At the same time, she emphasised that Prague and the Czech Republic remain a strong attraction for Chinese visitors, among other things because of their UNESCO-listed monuments.

In conclusion, Kočová highlighted the role of the media. She believes it is important for the public to receive a more balanced picture of China and for the media to help „build bridges“ – not only in the economy, but also in understanding between societies and in promoting exchanges in the fields of education, politics and tourism.

Helena Kočová summed up the main message of her speech as follows: after years of stagnation, an opportunity is opening up for new, pragmatic and practically oriented Czechia-China relations.

CMG