While it has faded from the popular discourse a bit in recent months, the turn of the year will quickly catapult Central and Eastern European nations to another meeting with the China via the recently downsized 16+1 mechanism.

The upcoming convening of nations is certainly due to attract attention as the withdrawal from the format by Lithuania and lower level representation via numerous states now inching closer to Taiwan has thrown the format into turmoil. However, the format is not entirely unique and there are numerous lessons that CEE China-watchers can draw from China's broader efforts to court nations on the international periphery and broader global south. Further, China will now have to compete for the attention of CEE nations with other formats, a major discussion of the ensuing podcast.

To observe this broader picture, Jakub Jakóbowski, senior fellow with the OSW China Program and coordinator of the Connectivity in Eurasia project, joins the latest episode.

Make the right CHOICE and tune in!

This month's guest:

Jakub Jakóbowski, senior fellow with the OSW China Program and coordinator of the Connectivity in Eurasia project

Show notes:

Voice for CHOICE #12: The 16+1 Format's Place in China's Foreign Policy with Jakub Jakóbowski

China Observers