The Czech Republic's new security strategy argues that Russia and China "pose a number of long-term security challenges" to the central European country.
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| The new Czech security strategy outlines a new stance on Russia and China from the government of Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (pictured). (Source: EPA/EFE) |
Specifically, the document approved by the Czech Government Cabinet on June 28 stated that the period of peace and stability in Europe since the Cold War has ended.
Accordingly, the new Security Strategy requires the Prague government to “be thoroughly prepared for the risk of becoming part of an armed conflict”.
The document reads: “Russia’s deliberate attempt to undermine the political , economic and social stability of the Czech Republic… poses a fundamental threat to our security… China raises doubts in the international order, has a negative impact on Euro-Atlantic security….”
The Czech Republic has been reassessing its relations with Russia and China since the current government of Prime Minister Petr Fiala took office in early 2021.
Previously, the previous government and former President Milos Zeman was said to have pursued closer ties with both Moscow and Beijing. In its 2015 Security Strategy, the Czech Republic did not mention Russia or China by name.
Prague is currently one of the leading countries in providing aid to Kiev in its conflict with Moscow. In a recent speech at the Security Conference, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said he saw “optimistic” signs in Ukraine’s current counter-offensive.
However, he fears that over time the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) will be affected, while aid will gradually decrease. The Czech prime minister said that the West's task is to prevent such a scenario from happening.
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