President Pavel: We are entering era of strategic competition between democracy and autocratic rule

The West is entering an era of strategic competition between democracy and autocratic rule, Czech President Petr Pavel said during a visit to London's Royal College of Defence Studies, where he studied a few years ago. The head of state cited as examples Russia, which is waging an aggressive war against Ukraine, and China, which is strengthening its influence around the world by economic means. Democratically-minded countries need to work together to successfully counter dictators, Paul said adding that he considers competition in trade and taxes between Europe and the US to be counterproductive. The European Union and the United States should overcome "non-essential issues" to create a sufficient economic counterweight to China, otherwise Beijing will take advantage of the divisions to successfully advance its interests, Pavel concluded.