The text discussed the temporary closure of the PRC-Europe cargo railway, as part of Poland’s security measures after Russia’s drones penetrated Polish airspace in early September. Some political experts and insiders suggested that Poland could use the suspension of the cargo line, accounting for ca. 7% of the EU-PRC trade exchange, to pressure Beijing to limit its support for the Russian war effort. However, according to Jirouš the railway closure would not provide sufficient leverage for any significant change: “It’s something. But I’m not sure if this is enough.”

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.