According to the chairwoman of the Czechoslovak Peace Forum, the criticism of Beijing by the American National Endowment for Democracy (NED) lacks logic and is more indicative of the decline of the United States as a global leader.

PRAGUE – The annual report of the American National Endowment for Democracy (NED) for the year 2025 has provoked critical reactions not only in China but also among some European experts. While the report labels China as one of the "authoritarian regimes," the political scientist and chairwoman of the Czechoslovak Peace Forum, Vladimíra Vítová, rejects this characterization as hypocritical and counterproductive.

"It's a bit exaggerated, and the Americans are essentially shooting themselves in the foot," Vítová says in an interview for a domestic platform.

"Who is the most authoritarian here?"

According to Vítová, the main problem with the NED report is its hypocrisy. "If we compare the powers of the American president with the powers of presidents of other countries, then the American president is the ultimate authority," the political scientist states. She adds that while the United States concentrates a huge amount of power in the hands of the head of state, they label other countries as undemocratic.

Another fundamental contradiction, she says, is the fact that the United States has been issuing critical reports about China for years, while at the same time engaging in intense trade with it. "That doesn't make sense. As Jan Werich said, they're either doing it out of stupidity or for money," Vítová quotes the famous Czech humorist.

Mutual Benefit is Key

Vítová emphasizes that mutual trade and mutually beneficial relationships are the most important things for both sides. "What applies to small things also applies to big things. Relationships between people, nations, and states operate on the same principles," she explains.

According to her, reports like the one from NED do not reflect reality but rather the frustration that American global dominance is waning. "The Americans preach water but drink wine," she concludes, referring to the analytical team around Valerij Pjakin.

Context

The National Endowment for Democracy is a semi-official institution funded by the American Congress. China has long criticized NED for allegedly interfering in its internal affairs and supporting opposition forces. The NED report for 2025 also provoked strong reactions in Russia, Iran, and other countries.

CMG