China is behind multifarious efforts around the world to tell the story of its rise to prominence in the 21st century; critics call it communist propaganda, supporters say standard public relations.
Whatever the view, the Czech Republic seems an unlikely venue for this clash of national narratives, but a local news report alleging a Czech billionaire was secretly funding a pro-China public relations campaign in the country has become the talk of Prague.
News outlet Aktualne says that leaked documents show that Czech-owned privately held consumer finance giant Home Credit is behind a campaign to promote Beijing in the Eastern European country, including setting up a China-friendly institute providing analysis and commentary.
This is touching raw nerves in the country, which at one time looked to position itself as China’s friend and gateway to Europe. Other events in recent months suggest that is not happening.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3042067/czech-republic-becomes-unlikely-front-line-chinas-soft-power
https://www.confucius.ucla.edu/about-us/confucius-institutes-worldwide
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/08/mike-pompeo-governors-china-112539