Bulgaria
* As some Indicators can be skipped where data is unavailable, the maximum overall and Domain scores are not identical for each country. Country rankings are generated from ratios of the maximum scores and the achieved scores.
The Indicators have been classified by the stage of the influence process at which they occur. Some Indicators correspond to exposure to PRC influence, e.g. the presence of Confucius Institutes. Others test for pressure – such as visa denials to academics or journalists. Finally, some Indicators capture the effect of PRC influence, such as national policy changes in favor of PRC interests.
The individual Layer scores for each country are tallied and displayed via rankings.
Exposure
Exposure assesses the conditions that make the target country vulnerable to PRC's influence, e.g. in terms of economic dependence, or the receiving of some form of benefit.
Pressure
Pressure measures the actions that the PRC directly or indirectly exerts over the target country in order to change the behavior of people in the target country, e.g. in terms of threatening economic punishment to provoke/prevent a political decision.
Effect
Effect evaluates the degree of accommodations the target country makes to the PRC, and the actual effects and impacts on the target country.
In 2021, Bulgaria had a GDP per capita of US$11,635 and a total population of 6.89 million people.
Bulgaria established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1949. Bulgaria was ranked 91st in Reporters Without Borders' 2022 World Press Freedom Index, and Free in Freedom House's 2022 Global Freedom Status, with a score of 79/100.
Percentage scores do not suggest some degree out of a “completely influenced” level of 100%. The percentages express the country’s score out of the total achievable amount based on the Indicators for each Domain.
- Media38.6% / 30.1%
- Academia50.0% / 34%
- Economy18.2% / 33.6%
- Society27.3% / 23.6%
- Military27.3% / 23.4%
- Law Enforcement43.2% / 30.2%
- Technology47.7% / 40.8%
- Domestic Politics27.3% / 37.2%
- Foreign Policy34.1% / 41%
Media
The Media Domain evaluates how PRC entities influence public debate and media coverage about the PRC in the Index country.
In my country, there are media organizations that belong to the World Chinese Media (世界华文媒体) network.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
42 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
13 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise exists.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are journalists or media organizations which are members of the Belt and Road Media Cooperation Alliance/Union, the Belt and Road News Alliance, or other Belt and Road media networks that connected to PRC (e.g. Belt and Road Media Community, Belt and Road Journalists Network, Belt and Road News Network, or B&R TV Networks).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
39 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
23 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The Bulgarian National Television (BNT) joined the Belt and Road News Alliance in 2017. In 2019, BNT won a BRNA award for best editing of the year. In 2018, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists signed a cooperation agreement with the One-Belt One-Road Journalist forum.
- https://bnt.bg/bg/a/bnt-dogovori-partnorstvo-s-kitayskata-mediyna-grupa-shanghai-united-media-group
- https://bntnews.bg/bg/a/bnt-specheli-zhurnalisticheska-nagrada-za-strudnichestvoto-si-s-kitayskata-cctv
- https://nova.bg/mynews/view/2018/06/28/77493/%D1%81%D0%B1%D0%B6-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8C%D0%BE%D1%80-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B6%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC-%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%8F%D1%81-%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D1%8A%D1%82
- https://brnalink.com/members.html
- https://www.pressreader.com/china/beijing-english/20180628/281517931858115
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are journalists, media organizations or online influencers who have attended all-expenses paid media tours in PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
11 countries chose this answer
0/ No
15 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
15 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
13 countries chose this answer
71 countries answered this indicator; 11 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Some Bulgarian journalists attended BRI World Journalism Forum
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are journalists, media organizations or online influencers who have received trainings from PRC state-owned media or PRC-connected entities.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
37 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
16 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Union of Bulgarian Journalists is regularly interacting and conducting exchanges with Chinese partners.
- https://sbj-bg.eu/index.php?t=48380
- https://sbj-bg.eu/index.php?t=39723
- https://sbj-bg.eu/index.php?t=35717
- https://sbj-bg.eu/index.php?t=31565
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC state-media (including print, radio, and video) is broadcasted or distributed in a local language.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
24 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
22 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
18 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
China Radio International maintains a Bulgarian language version.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are local media outlets wholly or partly owned by PRC citizens or corporations.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
0 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are media outlets that have delivered cheap or free contents provided by PRC state-fund media.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
22 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
21 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Bulgarian media maintain numerous cooperation partnership with Chinese media. Most visible is the reprinting of content from Chinese media by the Bulgarian medium 24 Chasa. Also, the Bulgarian newspaper China Today (Китай днес) republishes content from Chinese state media.
- https://www.kitajdnes.com/
- https://www.24chasa.bg/novini/6864124/
- https://www.kas.de/documents/281902/281951/%E2%80%9CChina%E2%80%99s+Rising+Media+Presence+in+South+East+Europe%E2%80%9D.pdf/0beb5c40-b6dd-7292-5cc3-fd8a5c1be824?version=1.1&t=1607417514942
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are regular PRC state-media or government advertisements inserted within local newspapers, online news websites or social media.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
38 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
15 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
8 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are journalists who have had pressure exerted on them by the PRC, including (but not limited to) public denouncement, revocation of journalist ID, denial of visa.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
57 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
24 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are incidents of media outlets censoring views critical of the PRC government.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are media personalities (including reporters, journalists or commentators) or celebrities who deny the existence of human rights abuses in the PRC (e.g. a media personality that doubts there are re-education camps for Uyghurs in Xinjiang).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
18 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
- https://pogled.info/svetoven/kitai/prevazpitatelen-lager-v-sindzyan-neka-da-razberem-istinata.125728
- https://www.24chasa.bg/novini/article/8020123
- https://pogled.info/svetoven/kitai/kitai-hitroumno-goni-posledniya-bastion-na-zapada-ot-svoyata-teritoriya.138168
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Academia
The Academia Domain measures how the PRC state attempts to restrict academic freedom by influencing or interfering with the Index country’s academic and educational activities.
In my country, universities have established research partnerships with PRC-connected entities. (e.g. Huawei, Tencent or Alibaba)
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
9 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
31 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
25 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/map/eu/Bulgaria
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/articles/2g28FMwxCHaHLZ59kBlPfb
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are Confucius Institutes/Classrooms.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
0/ No
5 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
14 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
31 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
27 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Two Confucius Institutes - at Sofia University and Veliko Tarnovo University. There are Confucius classrooms at South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad and the University of Ruse.
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/map/eu/Bulgaria
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/articles/2g28FMwxCHaHLZ59kBlPfb
- http://confuciusinstitute.bg/en/
- https://www.confuciusinstitute-velikoturnovo.bg/
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country plans to include, or does include, Chinese as a foreign language in K12 or primary education, and receives free or subsidized (e.g. offered below market price) educational books and teachers from PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Schools across Bulgaria teach Chinese, particularly through a patnership with Confucius Institutes.
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, one or more think tanks and academic research centers belong to PRC-affiliated networks/associations (such as: the Silk Road Think Tank Association, Silk Road Think Tank Network [SiLKS], Belt and Road Studies Network, University Alliance of the Silk Road, University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
40 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
17 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Various Bulgarian universities participate in Belt and Road networks.
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/articles/2g28FMwxCHaHLZ59kBlPfb
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/map/eu/Bulgaria
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, think tanks and academic research centers have received financial support from PRC-connected individuals or entities.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
10 countries chose this answer
0/ No
21 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
10 countries chose this answer
72 countries answered this indicator; 10 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Several Bulgarian universities receive funding from their Chinese partners. In some case, the funding is routed via Confucius Institutes. However, there is a general lack of transparency on the issue.
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/map/eu/Bulgaria
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/articles/2g28FMwxCHaHLZ59kBlPfb
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, experts participate in PRC talent recruitment programs such as the Thousand Talents Program or Changjiang Scholars program.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
47 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Huawei is active in terms of organizing talent competitions and has funded scholarship programs for Bulgarian students.
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/articles/2g28FMwxCHaHLZ59kBlPfb
- https://academytracker.ceias.eu/map/eu/Bulgaria
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, scholars have taken trips to the PRC paid for by PRC-connected individuals or entities.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
13 countries chose this answer
0/ No
17 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
15 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
14 countries chose this answer
69 countries answered this indicator; 13 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, organized PRC-connected student groups, such as Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs), are involved in attempts to censor staff or students (e.g. by harassing students protesting human rights abuses in the PRC, or formally complaining about the identification of Taiwan as a country in lecture slides).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
5 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
3 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, scholars or academics have been denied visas to travel to the PRC after expressing opinions or producing scholarship that is critical of the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
6 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected entities have been involved in school or university curriculum design, such as courses about East Asian history, modern politics, etc.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
16 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are confirmed reports of teachers or professors avoiding the discussion of sensitive political issues (e.g. Uyghur re-education camps, Taiwan independence, Tiananmen Square Massacre).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
5 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
6 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
77 countries answered this indicator; 5 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Economy
The Economy Domain measures the PRC’s economic leverage in the Index country, and how this is used to influence economic policy or corporate behavior in ways that favor the PRC.
The PRC is my country's number one trading partner (for trade in goods only).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not Found
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
PRC-connected entities own more than 50% of my country’s sovereign debt.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
77 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not Found
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
The PRC is the top customer for my country’s extractive industries.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
20 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The PRC is not the top customer of Bulgaria's extractive industry but it should be noted that Imore than 70 percent of the products that Bulgaria exports to China consist of primary commodities—refined copper and copper mine materials make up about 75 percent of exports followed by agricultural products such as corn and sunflower seeds.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-related entities own, operate or substantially control critical infrastructure (e.g. ports, power plants, digital data centers, etc) or sensitive sectors (biotech, raw materials, etc.)
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
36 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
46 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
China does not operate/control critical infrastructure industries. It should be noted, however, that in 2019 the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) signed a €120 million contract with the joint-stock company Logistic CenterVarna for the joint development of port infrastructure in Varna.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country joined (or applied to join) the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
27 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
55 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Not Found
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, major businesses are members of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce, or of the Belt and Road Industrial and Commercial Alliance, or of the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
41 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
41 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a member of the Silk Road Chamber of International Commerce. The Bulgarian government and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry have cooperated with the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has been the target of PRC economic coercion (e.g. trade or investment sanctions) that was specifically tailored at products or services that are highly dependent on the PRC market.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
18 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, local businesses have been harassed, threatened, or boycotted, due to their activities or statements in support of causes deemed unacceptable by the PRC government (e.g. Taiwanese independence, Hong Kong democracy, Tibet or Xinjiang issues, etc).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has free-trade agreement(s) with the PRC (either bilateral or as part of regional agreement(s)) that primarily deals with trade in goods or services, including digital goods or services.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No FTA with China was signed. Bulgaria is an EU member state, negotiations about FTA are an exclusive competence of the EU.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, central or local governments have relaxed or removed regulatory restrictions, or have established special economic zones (or free trade zones, industrial parks, etc.) to attract investments or economic participation from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
47 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In 2017, there was a pledge linked to the development of a large-scale smart city, Saint Sophia. The mega project foresees the construction of a tourist and entertainment near the town of Elin Pelin. The total amount of investment is planned to reach €750 million. According to the Bulgarian Investment Promotion Act, priority investments benefit from a number of state-granted incentives, including shorter administrative procedures, easier acquisitions of properties, state aid for investments in production and science, concessions for labor costs.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected entities requisitioned infrastructure or land for failure to repay debts in a timely manner.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
76 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
4 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Society
The Society Domain measures the extent and effectiveness of the PRC’s efforts to advance its soft power in the Index country, including its influence over the actions and views of local organizations and citizens.
In my country, there are local groups or organizations with words like “Promotion of Peaceful Reunification” in their name, and they regularly publicize their views on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang issues.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
49 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are members and member organizations of United World Chinese Association (世界华人协会).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, labor unions cooperate on exchanges or official visits to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) in the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are local reports of personnel linked to the UFWD who make appearances at Chinese diaspora community events and activities (e.g. Lunar New Year events, Dragon Boat festival tournaments, etc).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
50 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
9 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are PRC-connected professional associations that are closely engaged with their counterparts locally, such as All-China Journalists Association (中华全国新闻工作者协会), China Artists Association (中国艺术家协会), China Writers Association (中国作家协会) or All-China Women Federation (全国妇联).
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
33 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
25 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
8 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
For example, the Bulgarian publishing house Iztok-Zapad (East-West) is a member of the Association of publishers of China and the 16+1. Moreover, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists and the All-China Journalists Association agreed to collaborate and conduct exchange visits already in the 1980s, while in 2018, the Union of Bulgarian Journalists also signed a cooperation agreement with the One-Belt One-Road Journalist Forum. The most recent visit to Bulgaria took place in 2019. The delegation from China was composed of high-ranking media officials, including the Executive Director of the All-China Journalists Association, the deputy editor in chief of China Daily, the Director of the mobile version of People’s Daily, who met with Bulgarian journalists oriented on promoting cooperation with Beijing.
- https://petkohinov.com/archives/2591
- https://nova.bg/mynews/view/2018/06/28/77493/%D1%81%D0%B1%D0%B6-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BD%D1%8C%D0%BE%D1%80-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B6%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%8F-%D1%84%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BC-%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%8F%D1%81-%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%BD-%D0%BF%D1%8A%D1%82
- https://blackandwhitemag.bg/2019/03/05/%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BF%D1%8A%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%D1%82-%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B0/
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected individuals or entities donate money or provide other types of support to religious communities and charities.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
35 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The deliveries were mostly organized by the Chinese community in Bulgaria, on the municipal level (i.e. carried out by Sofia’s sister cities in China) and by Huawei but cannot be compared to the large-scale and publicly resonant donations to other countries, such as Serbia. Please advise how to modify the grading.
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, the PRC government or PRC-connected entities distribute entertainment products (including: drama and TV shows) or related hardwares (e.g. OTT streaming players hosting PRC media channels) freely or at a cheap price.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
38 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
21 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
11 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
This is a very limited phenomenon. Yet, it should be noted that Chinese films can be streamed on YouTube on the initiative of local actors as it happened in 2020 regarding the Chinese film 'Alive'.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Cultural products (such as films and TV shows) produced by my country’s production studios typically portray the PRC in a positive light.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
60 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Films and TV shows produced in Bulgaria do not focus on China.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, celebrities regularly publish or share propaganda narratives from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
3 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Bulgarian celebrities do not touch on the China-related topics.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, the national or local governments regularly publish or share propaganda narratives from the PRC (e.g. statements from the PRC government or embassies).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
54 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
5 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
No examplese of such behavior exist.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, a majority of citizens have positive views of the PRC government.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
7 countries chose this answer
0/ No
50 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
25 countries chose this answer
75 countries answered this indicator; 7 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Unlike their overly emotionally positive attitude towards Russia, Bulgarians are only cautiously positive towards China, prefigured by the lack of deep political, economic and cultural ties between Bulgaria and China. Some 55% of the Bulgarians maintain a favorable view of Beijing, which is higher than in the rest of the CEE and Western European countries surveyed by Pew (including, Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Greece, Spain, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden).
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Military
The Military Domain gauges the bilateral military relationship between the PRC and the Index country, including PRC efforts to influence local military personnel.
My country currently imports (or receives in-kind donation of) military or law-enforcement equipment or components of equipment from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
36 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
46 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country currently exports military or law-enforcement equipment or components of equipment to the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
74 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
7 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country co-develops or co-produces military or law-enforcement equipment with the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
66 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
15 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are reports that the PRC has expressed intentions or has taken actions to establish basing.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has participated in a humanitarian relief/disaster assistance (HADR) effort.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military personnel are permanently or rotationally deployed (excluding defense attaches and peacekeepers).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
77 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
5 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, members of the military have received professional military education from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
48 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
34 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, members of the military have received peacekeeping training from the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, high-ranking retired or current military and/or intelligence officers have received direct or deferred benefits from PRC-connected individuals or entities openly or covertly (e.g. have been appointed to lucrative positions as board members or consultants with PRC-invested firms, casinos, energy companies, etc.) during or in retirement from public service.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
11 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, high-ranking retired or current military and/or intelligence officials advocate for more coordination with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country cooperates with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on military exchange exercises, including drills and war games.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
51 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
31 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There is no evidence to suggest Bulgaria has military exchange exercises with the PRC
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Domain measures law enforcement cooperation between the PRC and the Index country, as well as the nature and extent of PRC-related criminal activity in the Index country.
My country currently maintains an extradition treaty, legal mutual assistance or other similar arrangements with the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
32 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
50 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
China and Bulgaria signed an extradition treaty in 1998, which remains in force.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, law enforcement authorities have signed cooperation agreements with the PRC on combatting terrorism.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
55 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
26 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Bulgarian and Chinese authorities signed agreements that deal with combatting transnational crime, including terrorism, in 2008 and 2016.
- https://www.mediapool.bg/bulgaria-i-kitai-zaedno-sreshtu-mafiyata-news138262.html
- https://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp;jsessionid=A38ACA07F1926BD3B39C7509FCC5006C?idMat=110048
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected gangs (such as Triad, 三合会) are known to be operating in my country.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
52 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
29 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are reports of economic espionage targeting the private sector that were suspected to benefit PRC-connected entities.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
49 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
9 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are reports of cyber attacks targeting government, critical infrastructure, or enterprises that were suspected to be initiated from the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
37 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
14 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
15 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There have been reports that China hacked the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry along the foreign ministries of other European countries. In 2021, the hacking of the system that issues covid certificates was said to have been conducted also from Chinese locations, among others.
- https://bnr.bg/horizont/post/101545783/spored-informacionno-obslujvane-balgaria-e-obekt-na-golama-kiber-ataka
- https://bntnews.bg/bg/a/113406-kitajski_hakeri_atakuvat_evropejski_vynshni_ministerstva
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, triads are known to have threatened or used violence to coerce, intimidate or punish Chinese dissidents.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
3 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
2 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has deployed video or internet surveillance systems from the PRC for law enforcement.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
30 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
51 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, representatives of the PRC police force have had joint patrols with local law enforcement.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
71 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
11 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My government has detained people at the request of the PRC for committing a crime involving engagements with social movements or resistance activities in Hong Kong, Xinjiang or for other human rights or civic rights issues.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
68 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
13 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has deported Taiwan citizens to the PRC to face prosecution.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
71 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
9 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has extradited or has deported individuals to the PRC, although such decisions had attracted criticisms from politicians, government employees or from local or foreign NGOs.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
21 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In 2018, Bulgaria became the first EU member state to extradite to China a former Chinese local official wanted by the Chinese authorities on suspicions of corruption.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Technology
The Technology Domain gauges the PRC’s influence over the technology sector in the Index country, including the activity and financial leverage of PRC companies, use of PRC hardware, and bilateral research partnerships.
In my country, PRC-connected entities (such as China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom) or their subsidiaries provide telecom services.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
52 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
30 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
China Telecom has a point of presence in Bulgaria but it does not provide telecommunications services.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, telecoms have signed agreements to adopt hardwares or technical specifications of 4G or 5G cellular networks that are produced or developed by Huawei, ZTE or other PRC enterprises.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
0/ No
16 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
27 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
30 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
One of Bulgaria’s biggest telecommunications providers, Yettel (formerly known as Telenor), has built its 5G networks with Huawei technology.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, telecoms have adopted hardware or technical specifications by PRC-connected entities in internet/wifi/telecommunication service infrastructure projects, in addition to 4G/5G cellular network.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
8 countries chose this answer
0/ No
14 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
24 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
23 countries chose this answer
74 countries answered this indicator; 8 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The use of Huawei equipment for the provision of Internet services is a generic phenomenon in Bulgaria. All the major telecom providers in the country use Huawei routers.
- https://help.a1.bg/internet/fixed-internet/fiber-internet/huawei-echolife-hg8245h/internet-settings
- https://www.vivacom.bg/bg/files/16440-rykovodstvo-za-4g-huawei-router-b310s-22.pdf
- https://www.yettel.bg/bg/private/device/list/device_3g_modem/field_device_brand/huawei-22?mode=list
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected entities are authorized vendors to supply tech-related equipment or services to our government, military or security services.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
28 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
53 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Examples of such collaboration include research partnerships with Huawei; point of presence with China Telecom; a subsidiary of Dahua Technology.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, central or local governments have collaboration (such as data collection or exchange agreement, or adoption of related hardwares) with the PRC government or PRC-connected entities on facial, voice recognition or other applications involving biometrics achieved by AI.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
42 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In 2017, for example, representatives of the Bulgarian government, including those responsible for e-government, supported the establishment of a strategic partnership between Huawei and Vivacom (one of the largest Bulgarian telecommunication providers) to provide cloud technologies for the Bulgarian government and business.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, one or more cities have procured, or have signed contracts with PRC-connected entities to establish “smart city” systems.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
35 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
25 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The plans for Chinese-supported development of smart cities in Bulgaria tend to remain on the level of pledges. For instance, in 2017, there was a pledge linked to the development of a large-scale smart city, Saint Sophia, near Sofia, involving the construction of a tourist and entertainment center. The total amount of investment was planned to reach €750 million. Also, more recently, in 2021, the municipality of Ruse started negotiations for the development of a smart city with Chinese technology.
- https://www.mediapool.bg/kitai-shte-stroi-krai-sofiya-parviya-umen-grad-v-evropa-news267548.html
- https://www.dunavmost.com/novini/kitai-shte-pomaga-na-ruse-da-izgradi-umen-grad
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, financial institutions use the China Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) clearing and settlement services system.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
63 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
18 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected venture capital invests in technology start-ups.
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
32 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
18 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
11 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Chinese investments in the Bulgarian start-up environment are limited, however, few examples exist.
- https://www.capital.bg/biznes/kompanii/2018/02/01/3122455_purviiat_kitaiski_kupuvach_na_bulgarska_it_kompaniia/
- https://seenews.com/news/two-investment-funds-get-minority-stake-in-bulgarias-walltopia-488367
- https://www.capital.bg/biznes/kompanii/2016/02/08/2701063_blackpeak_capital_investira_oshte_14_mln_evro_v/
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, companies have publicly announced that they had signed MOUs to collaborate on technological development (such as collaborations in A.I., Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Big Data) with PRC-connected entities.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
31 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
12 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
9 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In general, before the increase in scrutiny of Huawei's activities, Bulgarian telecom providers publicly spoke about their cooperation with Huawei. In their first trials of 5G, Telenor (now renamed as Yettel) used Huawei equipment; BTC (now Vivacom) combined the services of Huawei, Nokia, Ericsson and Cisco. Moreover, in 2017, a strategic partnership was established between Huawei and Vivacom to provide cloud technologies for the Bulgarian government and business.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, PRC-connected entities are shareholders or developers of the top five popular social media/messaging apps, based on usage.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
44 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
36 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
TikTok is the 2nd most used social network in Bulgaria.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, the central or local government(s) has collaborated with the PRC on endorsing the use of BeiDou satellite navigation system.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
17 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Domestic Politics
The Domestic Politics Domain evaluates PRC efforts to influence the political landscape in the Index country, and the footprint of PRC security companies.
In my country, politicians or government employees at the sub-national level are signing agreements with the PRC government or state-owned enterprises.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
20 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
5 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
23 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Both larger and smaller cities in Bulgaria have signed agreements with official Chinese institutions, including Beijing's Embassy in Sofia, Confucius Institute, regional authorities in China for cooperation in the area of culture, economics, infrastructure.
- https://www.sofia.bg/news-culture-01/-/asset_publisher/Tf6r0MlO2bPu/content/v-sofia-otkriha-p-rvia-za-centralna-i-iztocna-evropa-kulturen-cent-r-na-kitaj?inheritRedirect=false
- https://www.plovdiv.bg/%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8A%D1%80%D1%8A%D1%82-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BA%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%82%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0/
- https://www.mediapool.bg/kitai-shte-stroi-krai-sofiya-parviya-umen-grad-v-evropa-news267548.html
- https://money.bg/economics/kitayski-investitor-stroi-zavod-v-obshtina-maritsa.html
- https://www.troyan.bg/bg/posts/view/24882/
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, local municipalities have sister-city ties (友好城市) with municipalities in the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
10 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
10 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
19 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
19 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
23 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Both larger and smaller cities in Bulgaria have established sister ties with Chinese counterparts.
- https://www.namrb.org/pobratimiavane
- https://www.montana.bg/%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5
- https://www.plovdiv.bg/about-plovdiv/%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5/
- https://mun.sliven.bg/gradove-partniori
- https://obshtinaruse.bg/pobratimeni-gradove
- https://www.varna.bg/bg/455 6. https://www.kardjali.bg/?pid=4,adm_11
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, politicians or government employees have taken trips to the PRC paid for by PRC-connected individuals or entities.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
22 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
12 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
16 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
16 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In general, there is a pattern, whereby politicians of certain parties (particularly the Bulgarian Socialist Party) are more likely to make trips to China, which was especially the case in 2013/2014 when the BSP was in power. However, there isn't information available regarding the financial details of Bulgarian politicians' visits to China.
Supplementary Notes
In general, there is a pattern, whereby politicians of certain parties (particularly the Bulgarian Socialist Party) are more likely to make trips to China, which was especially the case in 2013/2014 when the BSP was in power. However, there isn't information available regarding the financial details of Bulgarian politicians' visits to China.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, politicians or government employees visit the PRC and have meetings with PRC officials and think tanks.
Yes
Answer ( 2 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
1 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
9 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
14 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
25 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
32 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Yes, politicians, particularly from the Socialist Party and GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) have tended to visit China.
- https://bntnews.bg/bg/a/160462-vizita-na-plamen-oresharski-v-kitaj
- https://www.dnevnik.bg/bulgaria/2016/06/07/2773415_delegaciia_na_gerb_e_na_vizita_v_kitai_po_pokana_na/
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, law enforcement and judicial related training offered the PRC-connected individuals or entities has been accepted by national or subnational governments.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
46 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
16 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
6 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, there are reports of politicians or political parties receiving campaign donations that originate in the PRC.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
4 countries chose this answer
0/ No
60 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
4 countries chose this answer
78 countries answered this indicator; 4 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, groups with reported links to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) have hosted fundraisings or have provided other forms of support for government employees, politicians or parties.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
64 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, groups with reported links to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) have made public statements opposing the candidacy of a local political candidate or party, claiming them being “anti-China”.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
78 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
1 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
0 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, politicians or government employees have publicly expressed positive views of the PRC government.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
12 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
13 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
37 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Such statements have come primarily from GERB, the BSP and the President.
- https://ceias.eu/chinese-corrosive-capital-bulgaria-romania/
- https://bntnews.bg/bg/a/borisov-blgariya-predlaga-izklyuchitelni-vzmozhnosti-za-investitsii
- https://btvnovinite.bg/oresharski-ubezhdava-kitaiski-bogatashi-da-investirat-u-nas.html
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, politicians or government employees have received direct or deferred benefits from PRC-connected individuals or entities openly or covertly (e.g. have been appointed to lucrative positions as board members or consultants with PRC-invested firms, casinos, energy companies, etc.) during or in retirement from public office.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
40 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
7 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
0 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
18 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
8 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, security services (安保/保安) offered by private PRC companies are contracted by national or subnational governments.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
0/ No
67 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
3 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
3 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Foreign Policy
The Foreign Policy Domain gauges PRC efforts to achieve diplomatic objectives by influencing key actors in the Index country.
My country’s legislature has a joint parliamentary friendship group, committee or other forms of sub-organizations with PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 4 / 4 )
0/ No
25 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
57 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
In the current parliament there are no members of this group. But in previous parliaments it included numerous MPs.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Representatives of a political party in my country’s national legislature have met officially with representatives of the PRC.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
0/ No
3 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
13 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
20 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
40 countries chose this answer
82 countries answered this indicator; 0 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) has routinely met with CCP representatives. The BSP even established an affiliate in Wuhan.
- https://news.bg/politics/bsp-se-sreshta-s-komunisticheskite-partii-na-kitay-i-vietnam.html
- https://bsp.bg/news/view/5112-sergej_stanishev_se_sreshtna_s_delegaciq_ot_kitajskata_narodna_republika.html
- https://www.mediapool.bg/bsp-s-partiyna-organizatsiya-v-kitai-v-chest-na-vizitata-na-oresharski-news210958.html
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
The PRC provides training to diplomats or civil servants on governance from my country (such as at 国家行政学院 or 中央党校).
Yes
Answer ( 1 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
39 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
11 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
6 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
10 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
14 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
The Diplomatic Institute in Bulgaria conducts Chinese language course for Bulgarian diplomats and civil servants together with the Confucius Institute.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
In my country, politicians or government employees have been pressured by PRC diplomats to change their political or diplomatic stances.
Yes
Answer ( 3 / 4 )
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ No
41 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
8 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
4 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
21 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
7 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk was sanctioned by China together with other of his colleagues from the European Parliament in connection with the Uyghur issue.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
Citizens of my country have been detained in PRC or denied exit visas, and believed to be suffering from unfair legal treatments for political reasons, a.k.a. “hostage diplomacy”.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ No
61 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
19 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
The head of state, head of government or foreign minister of my country has denied Taiwan’s right to participate as a member, observer or guest in WHO.
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
3 countries chose this answer
0/ No
65 countries chose this answer
4/ Yes
14 countries chose this answer
79 countries answered this indicator; 3 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country publicly supported the appointment of a PRC official to be the head of a United Nations agency (such as the FAO or ICAO) or other intergovernmental organizations (such as INTERPOL).
No
Answer ( 0 / 4 )
Skipped
9 countries chose this answer
0/ No
62 countries chose this answer
1/ Few, but insignificant
2 countries chose this answer
2/ More than a few, but insignificant
1 countries chose this answer
3/ Few, but significant
7 countries chose this answer
4/ More than a few, and significant
1 countries chose this answer
73 countries answered this indicator; 9 countries skipped this indicator
Not Found
Supplementary Notes
No evidence to suggest otherwise
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My government has shown support of PRC's territorial claims (such as on the South China Sea arbitration ruling issued by the UNCLOS Arbitral Tribunal in July 2016; except claims over Taiwan, which are indirectly covered in indicator 6.)
Oppose
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has rejected PRC’s claim
24 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
36 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has adhered to PRC’s claim
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has shown one of the following stances on PRC’s treatment of its Uyghur population.
Oppose
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
31 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
32 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
17 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My country has shown one of the following stances on PRC’s treatment of its Tibet population.
Silence
Skipped
2 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
21 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
46 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
13 countries chose this answer
80 countries answered this indicator; 2 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There are no examples of Bulgaria taking stance on the issue.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík
My government has not publicly criticized the PRC’s imposition of the National Security Law on Hong Kong.
Silence
Skipped
1 countries chose this answer
0/ My country has denounced PRC
24 countries chose this answer
2/ My country has remained silent
36 countries chose this answer
4/ My country has voiced support to PRC’s stance
21 countries chose this answer
81 countries answered this indicator; 1 countries skipped this indicator
Supporting Evidence
There are no examples of Bulgaria taking a position on the issue. note: It should be mentioned that this has only happened at the UN and no discussions/comments have been given on a national level - the government has not picked it up as a topic to raise to neither the domestic audience, nor the PRC itself. In general, there is a pattern in Bulgarian foreign policy whereby international coalitions/other EU member states are joined in order to make a statement on a certain matter - but very often this tends to be for the sake of participation. And as in this case, there was no discussion among policy-making circles or on the government level in a public manner regarding the PRC's imposition of National Security Law in HK. I think it would not be correct to say that the Bulgarian authorities have a clear position on the matter even if they joined the statement.
Answered by Rumena Filipova and Mirela Petkova, and has been reviewed by Matej Šimalčík