Small State Theory and China in Latvia’s Foreign Policy

Abstract

While relations between Latvia and China have developed rapidly in recent years and cooperation in various fields has become closer, the two countries have also faced certain difficulties. Bilateral relations have not progressed as expected, particularly following the establishment of the China-Central and Eastern Europe Cooperation Mechanism (CEEC). Although this initiative was beneficial in strengthening economic ties, it has hindered Latvia from adopting a more accommodating stance toward China politically. There are several reasons for this lack of progress. Since the US-China rivalry directly influences Latvia's foreign policy, the country seeks to bolster transatlantic cooperation to its advantage. In this context, the small Baltic state of Latvia's alliance with the US and the EU as a counterbalance to China becomes the focal point of this study. This paper first examines the small state theory to provide a clearer understanding of Latvia's position as a small state. It then analyzes the development of bilateral relations between Latvia and China since the establishment of their diplomatic ties. In conclusion, the paper discusses the obstacles hindering the growth of bilateral relations as identified by both China and Latvia.

Keywords

• China
• Latvia
• China-Central and Eastern Europe Cooperation Mechanism
• Small State

Küçük Devlet Teorisi̇ ve Letonya Dış Politikasında Çı̇n

Abstract

Letonya ve Çin arasındaki ilişkiler son yıllarda hızla gelişirken ve çeşitli alanlarda iş birliği yakınlaşırken, iki ülke bazı zorluklarla da karşılaşmıştır. Özellikle Çin-Orta ve Doğu Avrupa İş birliği Mekanizması'nın (CEEC) kurulmasının ardından ikili ilişkiler beklendiği gibi ilerlememiştir. Bu girişim ekonomik bağların güçlendirilmesi açısından faydalı olsa da Letonya'nın siyasi olarak Çin'e karşı daha uzlaşmacı bir tutum benimsemesini engellemiştir. Bu ilerleme eksikliğinin birkaç nedeni vardır. ABD-Çin rekabeti Letonya'nın dış politikasını doğrudan etkilediğinden, transatlantik iş birliğini kendi yararına olacak şekilde güçlendirmeye çalışmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, küçük Baltık devleti Letonya'nın Çin'e karşı bir denge unsuru olarak ABD ve AB ile ittifakı bu çalışmanın odak noktası haline gelmektedir. Bu makale ilk olarak Letonya'nın küçük bir devlet olarak konumunun daha net anlaşılmasını sağlamak için küçük devlet teorisini incelemektedir. Daha sonra Letonya ve Çin arasındaki diplomatik ilişkilerin kurulmasından bu yana ikili ilişkilerin gelişimi analiz edilmektedir. Sonuç olarak, makale hem Çin hem de Letonya tarafından tanımlanan ikili ilişkilerin ilerlemesinin önündeki engelleri tartışmaktadır.

Keywords

• Çin
• Letonya
• Çin-Orta ve Doğu Avrupa İşbirliği Mekanizması
• Küçük Devlet

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