https://www.scmp.com/rss/500430/feed Emilian Kavalski is the Li Dak Sum Chair Professor in China-Eurasia relations and international studies and the director of the Global Institute for Silk Roads Studies at the University of Nottingham Ningbo, China. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The communications of the European Commission rarely receive international media attention, even on days when they do not have to compete with a possible pandemic and the impeachment drama of an American president. It has to be admitted that the eight-page document released on February 5, regarding a new system for European Union accession negotiations, does not stir much excitement. The gist of the proposal is to offer credible EU accession prospects to the Western Balkans. It also provides a... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3049840/proposed-eu-criteria-new-members-show-wary-europe-has-china-its?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3049840/proposed-eu-criteria-new-members-show-wary-europe-has-china-its?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:00:13 +0000 A popular joke in Russia goes: “One cannot choose one’s parents, country, or the president.” In his annual state-of-the-nation address earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin seemingly confirmed this when he announced yet another major constitutional reform, which many fear is a thinly veiled attempt to maintain power beyond 2024 when his presidency is scheduled to end. The latest reform aims to first, strengthen the role of parliament and the prime minister, and second, strengthen State... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3047236/putins-reforms-may-be-more-about-legacy-building-power-grabbing-he?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3047236/putins-reforms-may-be-more-about-legacy-building-power-grabbing-he?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Jan 2020 01:30:07 +0000 The past three years have seen increasingly vocal European criticism of China’s involvement in the continent. This culminated in March with the European Commission’s designation of China as a systemic rival. What is behind such hostility? Is it China’s growing global footprint through its gargantuan “Belt and Road Initiative”? Is it Beijing’s bonhomie with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe? Of all the factors that explain European wariness, the underlying one is the realisation that... https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/3004542/how-make-most-chinas-accidental-rise-european-power?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/insight-opinion/article/3004542/how-make-most-chinas-accidental-rise-european-power?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:00:06 +0000