The statement "Chinese threat to Europe is in my opinion simply non-existent." depends on the definition of "threat". There must be a definition that would assert that Europe never faced any threats, the Cold War epoch was a carefree period only to turn into even better times of milk and honey afterwards.
Europe's problems might come exactly from multiple definitions of threat, and the fact that elites prefer to use the most benign one. While in the Noughties China was strategically acquiring whole German industries (Photovoltaic, Industry robotics), Germany was still sending development aid to that country. A nice act, must have been a good feeling that you can afford it.
In the streets of impoverished Italy now I can spot the type of inertness and subliminal poverty I remember from my childhood in late real socialism. Children live by their parents until they are 40 (Italian: Bambocchioni) and the mayor of Berlin proudly advertises for his city: "poor but sexy!".
With such attitude, Europe is inviting the next hegemon or semi-hegemon to take it by a short leash. I would be surprised if China does not accept this offer.
I had in mind a political threat to Europe. China does not want to impose its own social system, nor is she likely to militarily attack Europe. As far as economics is concerned, yes: but isn't that the rule of the game? Economically stronger countries indeed influence less economically strong through investment, trade etc. Does not Europe do the same?
Definitely, there is no substantial threat of regime change between China and EU, in both directions, by the way. Kinetic warfare between the two makes no sense at all. And of course, Europe (Germany, Hungary, Italy) are trying to influence small fish on her eastern outskirts, or to drain their economically-exploitable population - but with less and less effect since China is fishing in the same pond.
So far the EU is a complete US lapdog though, to the points that, to paraphrase the old Polish joke about their own leaders' subservience to Moscow, "when it rains in Washington EU leaders open their umbrella".
And besides that, I would never compare the dependency from US with rules of the Brezhnev Doctrine. There is a reason Germans fled from east to west and not vice versa.
The "US lapdog" narrative, that is en vogue since 2022 might have some substance, but I rather see Europe mimicking US than being forced to do so. 30% of EU countries, including this republic here, are actually more concerned what Putin will say.
I am totally agree with you. Professor Milanovic many thanks, as usual, for every your political social and economic expression. Pierluigi Tedeschi
The statement "Chinese threat to Europe is in my opinion simply non-existent." depends on the definition of "threat". There must be a definition that would assert that Europe never faced any threats, the Cold War epoch was a carefree period only to turn into even better times of milk and honey afterwards.
Europe's problems might come exactly from multiple definitions of threat, and the fact that elites prefer to use the most benign one. While in the Noughties China was strategically acquiring whole German industries (Photovoltaic, Industry robotics), Germany was still sending development aid to that country. A nice act, must have been a good feeling that you can afford it.
In the streets of impoverished Italy now I can spot the type of inertness and subliminal poverty I remember from my childhood in late real socialism. Children live by their parents until they are 40 (Italian: Bambocchioni) and the mayor of Berlin proudly advertises for his city: "poor but sexy!".
With such attitude, Europe is inviting the next hegemon or semi-hegemon to take it by a short leash. I would be surprised if China does not accept this offer.
Interesting reflections.
I had in mind a political threat to Europe. China does not want to impose its own social system, nor is she likely to militarily attack Europe. As far as economics is concerned, yes: but isn't that the rule of the game? Economically stronger countries indeed influence less economically strong through investment, trade etc. Does not Europe do the same?
Definitely, there is no substantial threat of regime change between China and EU, in both directions, by the way. Kinetic warfare between the two makes no sense at all. And of course, Europe (Germany, Hungary, Italy) are trying to influence small fish on her eastern outskirts, or to drain their economically-exploitable population - but with less and less effect since China is fishing in the same pond.
So far the EU is a complete US lapdog though, to the points that, to paraphrase the old Polish joke about their own leaders' subservience to Moscow, "when it rains in Washington EU leaders open their umbrella".
I disagree in a way - even servility (opening an umbrella) requires a certain level of agency, which I cannot assert currently.
And besides that, I would never compare the dependency from US with rules of the Brezhnev Doctrine. There is a reason Germans fled from east to west and not vice versa.
The "US lapdog" narrative, that is en vogue since 2022 might have some substance, but I rather see Europe mimicking US than being forced to do so. 30% of EU countries, including this republic here, are actually more concerned what Putin will say.