China’s influence activities aim to create a positive image of China and to counter any kind of criticism.
Influence activities in countries with big Chinese communities can mobilise the Chinese diaspora for the party’s benefit—there are plenty of examples from Finland and Sweden. But where this is not possible, propaganda work may fall to the CPC Central Committee’s International Liaison Department, which is responsible for exchanges with foreign parties. The International Liaison Department has been active in its interactions with Estonian politicians. Today, three former government ministers work for Powerhouse, which offers lobbying services for the Chinese company, Huawei. To a large extent, China’s influence activities in Estonia have so far gone unnoticed. This article aims to fill this gap.
Download and read: China’s Influence Activities in Estonia (PDF)
Previously published in this series:
- Kadri Kaska and Maria Tolppa: China’s Sovereignty and Internet Governance
- Märt Läänemets: Academic Co-operation with the People’s Republic of China: Dangers and Temptations