For this NPI Open Webinar on "China and the Baltic Countries," NPI invited Dr. Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Manager, China Studies Centre, Riga Stradiņš University; Head of the Asia Programme at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA); and Associate Professor (Special Appointment) at the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center, Hokkaido University.

This webinar was held by the NPI Russia Study Group on the project theme of "An Intrinsic Analysis of East Asian International Issues: The Korean Peninsula and Taiwan Strait from the Perspective of Area Studies."

Moderator

Hirose Yoko, Professor, Keio University; Senior Fellow, NPI

Guest speaker

Dr. Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Manager, China Studies Centre, Riga Stradiņš University; Head of the Asia Programme at the Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA); and Associate Professor (Special Appointment) at the Slavic-Eurasian Research Center, Hokkaido University.

The main points of the presentation and answers to the questions on the day of the event are as follows.

1. In the early stages of relations, the Baltic States placed high expectations on economic cooperation with China and actively engaged through the 16+1 format. They were highly optimistic about the prospects for trade and investment.
2. As the relationship began to change, concerns grew over Chinese investment and security risks. The Baltic States became wary of Chinese involvement in critical infrastructure, and negative views regarding political influence intensified.
3. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 decisively changed the Baltic States' perception of China. China's "pro-Russian neutrality" toward Russia became a major turning point for them, leading to their withdrawal from the 16+1 format.
4. At present, the Baltic States are taking an extremely cautious stance toward relations with China. They place emphasis on cooperation with the European Union and NATO, prioritizing security over economic interests.