Czechia’s relations with China: the asymmetric influence of a Central European small power

This study examines how Czechia protects and advances its interests in its relations with China. Based on more than two dozen interviews conducted in Czechia with government officials, China specialists, and cybersecurity experts, we identify three mechanisms through which Prague exercises influence and shapes how its partners think about and respond to Beijing. Czechia’s intrinsic power stems from its dissident tradition emerging from the shared trauma of Nazi and Soviet occupation, which forged a national identity anchored in liberal values. This environment has nurtured specialized expertise in cybersecurity and China policy, which Prague has integrated to create hub effects. Derivative power comes from ties with the United States and United Kingdom, yielding intelligence sharing and strategic consultations. Collective power is exercised through the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, where Czechia helps shape multilateral approaches to China’s cybersecurity threats. Despite Beijing’s démarches, economic coercion, and cyberattacks, Prague has maintained ties with Taiwan, supported Tibet, and blocked Chinese investment in its critical infrastructure—all at minimal cost. The Czech case shows that specialized expertise, institutional relationships, and consistent, values-driven policies are tools that smaller states can use to resist great power coercion.