Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent visit to China has raised significant alarm over transparency and accountability. The delegation’s concealed identities, undisclosed details about business participation, exclusion of media oversight, and ties to politically connected figures point to deeper vulnerabilities. These issues not only undermine public trust but also expose Slovakia to potential foreign influence and risks of exploitation by Beijing’s greyzone operations.
Secrecy and Greyzone Risks Shadow Slovak Delegation’s Visit to China
Prime Minister Robert Fico’s recent visit to China, described as the “trip of the year,” has sparked concerns not just over transparency but also the potential vulnerabilities it exposes to foreign influence. While touted as a diplomatic and economic milestone, the visit’s opaque handling and the selective nature of its delegation have drawn attention to underlying risks tied to governance, security, and Slovakia’s alignment with European standards.
Opaque Delegation Raises Questions
A critical point of contention is the Slovak Government Office’s decision to omit the names of the individuals who accompanied Fico. Although roles and affiliations were outlined in response to a public records request, no specific identities were disclosed. This veil of secrecy creates an environment ripe for greyzone operations—a hallmark of Chinese political warfare—where undisclosed participants could foster covert relationships or advance Beijing’s strategic interests.
China has a history of leveraging ambiguous engagements like these to cultivate influence. Without transparency, the inclusion of unofficial intermediaries or individuals aligned with foreign interests becomes a tangible risk, especially when such trips provide ample opportunity for informal, off-the-record interactions.
Politically Connected Participants and Divisive Implications
Further scrutiny of the delegation revealed an unsettling trend: the inclusion of companies and individuals with close ties to both ruling and opposition parties. For example, businesses linked to influential figures in the Smer party, as well as to former ministers and opposition figures, featured prominently. This dynamic heightens concerns over potential political manoeuvring, with China potentially exploiting Slovakia’s internal political rivalries.
Such selective engagement not only risks creating dependency but also exposes Slovakia to targeted influence operations. By aligning itself with politically connected entities, Beijing gains access points to the Slovak political landscape, potentially sowing deeper divisions while advancing its own agenda.
Economic Leverage Through Business Engagement
The government initially claimed 56 companies participated in the trip, but subsequent disclosures reduced that number to 22. Even within
this incomplete list, notable absences and inconsistencies raise red flags. China’s strategic use of economic tools to exert influence is well-documented, often cloaked in the guise of seemingly innocuous agreements.
The delegation signed agreements that range from the symbolic—such as the export of bumblebees—to potentially strategic partnerships, yet details remain sparse. This lack of clarity undermines confidence in the trip’s broader purpose and suggests an uneven playing field that could disproportionately benefit Chinese interests.
Lack of Media Oversight Amplifies Vulnerabilities
Breaking with tradition, the delegation notably excluded media representatives, eliminating a key mechanism for independent scrutiny. This decision aligns with China’s preference for closed-door dealings, minimising external narratives while allowing greater control over the discussions. Without media oversight, any informal agreements or strategic shifts risk going unnoticed, depriving the Slovak public of vital accountability.
Implications for Slovakia’s Role in Europe
The broader pattern of obfuscation—ranging from unnamed participants to vague agreements—has implications beyond this single visit. As an EU member state, Slovakia is expected to uphold high standards of transparency and governance. Such lapses could weaken its standing within the bloc, potentially positioning it as a vulnerable entry point for Chinese influence in Europe.
China has long sought to exploit divisions within the EU, and the Slovak delegation’s handling of this visit risks reinforcing perceptions of Slovakia as a weak link. Without a robust commitment to transparency, the country may find itself increasingly susceptible to greyzone tactics designed to erode European unity and democratic accountability.
Source: Matúš Burčík | SME
