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The 17+1 representation drama THREAD
1/6
"In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing”, as Oscar Wilde wrote in “The importance of being earnest”.
This witticism certainly applies to the 9/2/2021 #China- #CEEC summit - optics rather than substance.
1/6
"In matters of grave importance, style, not sincerity is the vital thing”, as Oscar Wilde wrote in “The importance of being earnest”.
This witticism certainly applies to the 9/2/2021 #China- #CEEC summit - optics rather than substance.
2/6
For Beijing, the summit had two optics-related objectives:
1) To arrest the negative trend across #CentralEasternEurope in terms of #China’s image;
2) To demonstrate its standing in #CEE ahead of the launch of an #EU- #US dialogue on the reinvigoration of transatlantic ties.
For Beijing, the summit had two optics-related objectives:
1) To arrest the negative trend across #CentralEasternEurope in terms of #China’s image;
2) To demonstrate its standing in #CEE ahead of the launch of an #EU- #US dialogue on the reinvigoration of transatlantic ties.
3/6
Hence #China’s decision to elevate the summit to the highest level, with #XiJinping presiding over the party.
But this move clearly backfired – in football, this is called “an own goal”. Six #CEECs downgraded their participation and #Beijing had to put on a brave face.
Hence #China’s decision to elevate the summit to the highest level, with #XiJinping presiding over the party.
But this move clearly backfired – in football, this is called “an own goal”. Six #CEECs downgraded their participation and #Beijing had to put on a brave face.
4/6
Apart from the “usual suspects” from the #Baltic region ( #Lithuania, #Estonia and #Latvia), three more #CEECs downgraded their representation – #Romania, #Bulgaria and #Slovenia. Thus, half the #EU member states sent a clear - and unpalatable - message across to #China.
Apart from the “usual suspects” from the #Baltic region ( #Lithuania, #Estonia and #Latvia), three more #CEECs downgraded their representation – #Romania, #Bulgaria and #Slovenia. Thus, half the #EU member states sent a clear - and unpalatable - message across to #China.
5/6
The "delinquent" #EU member states faced last-minute pressure from #China to show respect (sic). There are reports that some ambassadors were summoned by #China's #MFA the day before the summit for "explanations" or their heads of state were asked to send pre-recorded videos.
The "delinquent" #EU member states faced last-minute pressure from #China to show respect (sic). There are reports that some ambassadors were summoned by #China's #MFA the day before the summit for "explanations" or their heads of state were asked to send pre-recorded videos.
6/6
On substance - not much:
- For the first time ever, no guidelines adopted.
- A list of "voluntary" activities, without the usual manifesto about the #BeltandRoad and "shared future".
- Some #health, (Chinese) #vaccines, #trade and #culture.
- No talk of the next 17+1 summit.
On substance - not much:
- For the first time ever, no guidelines adopted.
- A list of "voluntary" activities, without the usual manifesto about the #BeltandRoad and "shared future".
- Some #health, (Chinese) #vaccines, #trade and #culture.
- No talk of the next 17+1 summit.
