Is Europe Repeating Mistakes Made with Russia in its Handling of Chinese Cultural Penetration?
Europe once dismissed Russia’s cultural networks as harmless until war exposed their purpose. Today, China has built a far larger and more disciplined system across European society. These institutions normalize state agendas, embed influence, and position Beijing to shape Europe’s response in a Pacific crisis. The choice before Europe is stark: dismantle these networks now, or risk repeating the same costly complacency.