Vladimír Vlk: We must learn from China, especially in energy and strategic management

In his speech, energy expert and advisor to MEP Ondřej Knotek, Vladimír Vlk, emphasised the need for pragmatic and non-ideological cooperation with China, particularly in the areas of education, energy and industry. According to him, the Czech Republic has lost some of its professional and industrial capacity in recent decades, while China has experienced significant and systematic development.

Vlk recalled the historically close cooperation between Czechoslovakia and China in the 1950s and 1960s, especially in technical fields. According to him, the Czechoslovak turbines delivered to China at that time are still in operation and are positively evaluated, which he considers proof of the quality of the industry and education system at that time.

He devoted a significant part of his speech to energy. He explained that the combination of coal, nuclear and renewable sources used by China has a clear technical logic – it is about the stability of the electricity system. According to Vlk, the Czech Republic has neglected this logic in recent years, which has led to problems with grid regulation and energy security.

He also agreed that it is necessary to revive Czech-Chinese tourism, which not only has economic benefits but also promotes mutual understanding. He also welcomed the interest of Chinese partners in investing directly in the Czech Republic, creating jobs and developing the industrial base.

Vlk criticised the previous government's ideological approach to foreign cooperation, particularly with China and Russia. In his view, it is unacceptable to label professional or economic cooperation as a security threat. He emphasised that the Czech Republic still has much to offer, but at the same time must learn from where others have made progress.

In conclusion, he expressed his conviction that Czechia-China relations have the potential for further development and that the period of ideological barriers should be replaced by a rational, professionally led partnership based on mutual benefit.

CMG