China’s Influence Operations in Europe Targeting Support for Ukraine
How China neutralizes anti-Chinese initiatives through lobbyists, useful idiots, and pro-Russian allies in the EU
Under the Guise of Diplomacy: Beijing Wages Its War
While Russia attacks Ukraine with missiles, China attacks the West – with influence. Since 2022, when most EU countries became military and financial donors to Kyiv, Beijing has intensified covert influence operations aimed at neutralizing any steps that could weaken its economic position or cast doubt on its “neutrality.”
China’s strategy is not a frontal assault but a diffuse infiltration through “soft power,” lobbying, bribing experts, and exploiting pro-Russian political elites in the EU. All of this is conducted under the cover of economic cooperation, academic exchanges, or even “peace initiatives.”
What Are the Main Goals of China’s Influence Operations in Europe?
China acts selectively – in countries that supply Ukraine with weapons or military technologies, publicly condemn China’s assistance to Russia’s military-industrial complex, or push for tough EU sanctions against China for supplying “dual-use” goods to Moscow.
Such countries include the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and France. In these states, China seeks to hijack the agenda, neutralize any initiatives to scrutinize Chinese companies, spark discussions about “the loss of European sovereignty due to American influence,” or activate pro-Russian forces advocating for “peace” (but effectively for Ukraine’s capitulation).
“Useful Idiots” Operate at Many Levels: From Academia to Parliament
China has mastered the art of working not directly with states but with individuals. Instead of traditional lobbying, Beijing employs networks of academics, journalists, former diplomats, and European Commission officials who promote China’s narrative: “China does not support the war, it just trades,” “Europe cannot survive without the Chinese market,” “We need peace, not confrontation with the East.”
In 2024–2025, these messages have systematically appeared in outlets like Politico, CGTN, DW, as well as in statements by individual Members of the European Parliament, particularly from Hungary, France, Italy, and Greece.
In the Czech Republic, at least three cases of cooperation between pro-Russian politicians and Chinese diplomats have been documented, aimed at blocking government statements against China’s supply of military goods to Russia. In Estonia, attempts were made to influence local media through Chinese operatives.
European “Peacemakers” Are in Beijing’s Service
A key line of Beijing’s influence is the use of left-wing and far-right populists who amplify narratives such as: “This is NATO’s war,” “The West is provoking China,” “Arms aid to Ukraine prolongs the conflict.” In Germany, for instance, these positions are promoted not only by AfD and Die Linke but also by individual members of “mainstream” parties with long-standing ties to Chinese foundations.
These same actors simultaneously defend China against accusations of supplying Russia with microchips, navigation systems, and industrial equipment for drone factories – while denying China’s secondary role in the war.
Noticeable Influence Through Academic Platforms and Think-Tank Infiltration: a separate area of Beijing’s interest is analytical centers and research platforms that shape EU policy. Through diplomatic missions, grants, or even conference sponsorships, China promotes ideas of a “multipolar world,” a “new security architecture without the U.S.,” and “alternative peace diplomacy.”
A particular role is played by “global forums” that organize conferences in Brussels and Berlin, inviting European speakers and advancing anti-American and pro-Eurasian positions – while cloaking this in the rhetoric of “dialogue.”
China and Russia Have Formed a Shadow Influence Alliance
In some countries (e.g., Hungary, Slovakia, Austria), Chinese influence operations are effectively integrated into pro-Russian networks. Lobbyists who yesterday promoted Russian gas or whitewashed “referendums” in Donbas are today experts in “peaceful diplomacy with China.”
The synergy between Russian and Chinese disinformation is also evident on social media: the same Telegram channels, YouTube streams, and TikTok videos simultaneously promote Kremlin and Beijing narratives.
China is not waging war in Ukraine but is conducting an influence campaign in Europe to protect its economic interests, legitimize trade with Russia, weaken transatlantic unity, and form a pool of “neutral” countries within the EU.
This campaign is more dangerous than it seems, as it erodes support for Ukraine, undermines the sanctions regime, and lays the groundwork for the political capitulation of parts of Europe to Beijing.
Currently, the U.S., the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and Scandinavian countries are the only ones publicly countering Chinese influence operations. However, without a European consensus on China’s role as a strategic challenge, the West risks losing a new form of war without even declaring it.
Dmytro Levus, foreign policy expert, analyst at kyiv-based United Ukraine Think Tank