Yes, one can be leftist and anti-authoritarian. I dont believe state capitalism is the solution.
Dunno, maybe cooperation with neighboring countries and only together setting joint deals with disproportionately larger countries? It’s just as absurd as Poland’s last government single-handedly attempting massive tread deals with USA. Each time smaller European countries attempt that they end up on a leash.
I trust China far more than slovak government. I dont think that these deals with China will go this way, its more like when the other options(real alternatives offered currently) are bad they will get a deal with China. But normatively yes I guess, its just too much to ask of such governments judging by their current failures.