In conversation with host Nina Lexová, Filip Jirouš argued that while the United States and China remain economically interdependent, China has increasingly used its economic strength as a geopolitical tool. He noted that China is rapidly closing the gap with the United States and suggested that Donald Trump’s unpredictability has contributed to developments that favour Beijing. Jirouš also highlighted what he sees as a persistent lack of understanding in the West regarding China’s global ambitions and growing influence through investment, economic ties and soft power. In this regard, he argued that Europe has struggled to respond effectively.

Filip Jirouš is a doctoral researcher at the Institute for European Global Studies. His research focuses on Chinese intelligence, political influence, and interference. In his dissertation he examines the PRC’s influence networks in Europe. He previously worked as a political risk analyst on China and as a researcher at Sinopsis.cz.