Jiří Málek: Without open dialogue, attitudes towards China will not change

In his speech, Jiří Málek, Chairman of the Society for European Dialogue, pointed out that economic cooperation with China alone is not enough. According to him, it is crucial to open a broader civil dialogue that would also reach those parts of society that approach China with distrust or rejection.

Málek emphasised that meetings of this kind often take place among people who share the same views. While this creates a pleasant atmosphere, it will not bring about real change unless the discussion extends beyond this circle. According to him, a change of government does not in itself change the mindset of society, which is formed over a long period of time and often very slowly.

According to Málek, one of the main problems is a lack of understanding of the Chinese cultural and ideological context. He believes that Europe often fails to understand the philosophical roots of Chinese society, the Confucian tradition, or the specifics of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Without this understanding, it is difficult to have a factual debate and explain why China is different and why its model cannot simply be evaluated by European standards.

He also pointed out that the success of China and other Asian countries represents an uncomfortable example for part of the Western world, one that cannot be ignored. According to him, this leads to ideological resistance, which is also reflected in public debate.

Málek emphasised the need to prepare society for broader, multidimensional cooperation with China – not only economic, but also social, cultural and political. If people see concrete benefits for themselves, he believes it will be easier for them to accept this cooperation.

In conclusion, he called for systematic work with information and the use of experts who are truly familiar with the Chinese environment. According to him, it is necessary to build bridges of understanding and openly discuss topics that are sensitive or ideologically charged in the Czech environment. Without this, according to Jiří Málek, relations with China cannot move forward in the long term.

CMG