The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that it will suspend the publication of youth unemployment data while the government seeks to “improve” and “optimize” statistical work. This announcement elicited decision on Chinese social media, with some users on Weibo accusing the government of “burying its head in the sand”. Indeed, the announcement comes at a critical juncture when the unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds in urban areas hit a record high of 21.3%. However, instead of addressing the drastically worsening youth unemployment, the government has chosen to stonewall the issue.
Publications
China review 2023-7. Head in the sand
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that it will suspend the publication of youth unemployment data while the government seeks to “improve” and “optimize” statistical work. This announcement elicited decision on Chinese social media, with some users on Weibo accusing the government of “burying its head in the sand”. Indeed, the announcement comes at a critical juncture when the unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds in urban areas hit a record high of 21.3%. However, instead of addressing the drastically worsening youth unemployment, the government has chosen to stonewall the issue.
China and Southeast Asia 2023-2: Sino-Russian Relations and the War Against Ukraine
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the China factor has always remained under the international spotlight. While China, driven by a very pragmatic interest, has been continuing to embrace and strengthen its strategic partnership with Russia, it has also been seeking to be seen as a neutral country to not damage its relations with the West, namely the EU and the US.
The Russian war in Eastern Europe and the emergence of EU CSDP missions: Three distinct cases in Ukraine, Armenia and Moldova
In light of the outbreak of the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has launched a series of new Common Security and Defence Policy missions in its eastern neighbourhood. This emerging trend marks a notable milestone in the EU's geopolitical aspirations in the region. This edition of the EESC bulletin describes the profiles of the missions deployed by the EU in Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia and analyses their rationale from the EU point of view and the implications for the host countries.
Indo-Pacific Cooperation with European NATO Countries: Security Partnership Initiatives and Perspectives
Security and defence partnerships in the region have developed most actively over the past decade under the Japan-led idea of “Free and Open Indo Pacific” (FOIP) among the “like-minded partners.”
China review 2023-3
On 5–7 April, French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, embarked on a visit to China.
EU sanctions against Russia: Coherence and efficiency after 12 months of war
The Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, in cooperation with the EESC and the SCEEUS, has compiled a study on the sanctions regime imposed on Russia due to the escalation of its war on Ukraine. The paper is accompanied by commentaries from Lithuanian, Latvian, British, and Swedish experts.
Crisis of Russia’s soft power in the CIS and Eastern Partnership countries
Against the backdrop of the objective decline of Russia’s external legitimacy, Russia has adopted a new Foreign Policy Concept, which was published in March 2023. This document emphasises Russia’s humanitarian cooperation with the world as a whole and its regions, particularly those where it has traditionally exerted an influence.
“Thus, all the West must do is maintain military and economic support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. A firm and principled response against aggression is the only language that Putin understands—and it clearly makes him uncomfortable”
“Things like the war in Ukraine are a good lesson for us, they give us time to ready ourselves. The Ukrainians are buying us time, we need to use that well and prepare”
“The Lithuanian government is keeping its promise to promote values-oriented diplomacy, which is grounded in an appreciation for diversity, dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful resolutions of disputes in all domains of international relations”
NATO 2023
NATO Public Forum
The NATO Public Forum was co-organised by NATO, the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, the Atlantic Council, the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the Munich Security Conference, kicked off today.
Discussion “NATO Summit in Vilnius: Priorities and Expectations”
The speakers stressed the need to strengthen further cooperation with Pacific partners, particularly in the area of information and intelligence.
Discussion on whether is Europe ready to Face Hardships in Support of Ukraine
The Eastern Europe Studies Centre, in cooperation with the Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme and Lithuanian Embassy in London, hosted the discussion "Is Europe ready to face hardships in support of Ukraine?".
Media library
EESC Podcast Quo vadis, China? | 2# The Sino-Ukrainian Ties: From High Hopes To Harsh Reality?
The Eastern Europe Studies Centre presents the podcast "The Sino-Ukrainian Ties: From High Hopes To Harsh Reality?" It examines the realities of the relationship between China and Ukraine.
Research programmes of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre
The aim of the research programmes is to analyse the most important processes in international politics, security and economics, to understand their impact on Lithuania, to make recommendations to decision-makers and to inform the general public. The content of the programmes includes the preparation of analytical studies and publications, the organisation of conferences, and the production of visual material. Analytical work is carried out by leading Lithuanian and foreign experts.
