In her speech, CSSD Vice-Chairwoman Jana Volfová emphasised the practical dimension of relations with China and their direct impact on the everyday lives of ordinary people. According to her, the last elections clearly showed that the Czech public rejects ideological adventures and expensive foreign trips that do not bring any benefit to ordinary citizens.
Volfová pointed out that thanks to Chinese production, many appliances that used to be a luxury have become a common part of households. As an example, she cited her own experience of buying a dishwasher, the price of which is lower today than it was twenty years ago, even though wages were significantly lower then. In her view, the availability of technology is one of the biggest benefits of the Chinese economy.
She was critical of politicians who, on the one hand, speak out loudly against China, but on the other hand routinely take advantage of cheap Chinese goods. She described such an attitude as hypocrisy.
According to Volf, China does not only play an important role in developed countries, but also provides substantial assistance in developing regions. It contributes to building infrastructure, raising living standards and creating jobs. She sees this as fulfilling the role of a socially oriented state that plans for the long term and with stability.
She concluded by expressing her conviction that stability, continuity and strategic planning are values that are often lacking in Czech politics. According to Jana Volfová, the Czech Republic should pursue a pragmatic and non-ideological policy that will primarily serve the interests of its own citizens and their everyday needs.
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