Tensions in Taiwan between the Czech Republic and China
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has reacted to the meeting of the new president Pavel, who will officially take office in the Czech Republic on March 9, with the leader of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen.
While the Chinese side claimed that Pavel interfered in China’s internal affairs with the phone call in question, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala also reacted to these accusations, saying: “As a sovereign country, the Czech Republic will decide for itself who call and meet”. “
Fiala said that China is an important trading partner, but also has good relations with Taiwan in many areas.
CHINESE REACTION
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning, in his daily press conference in Beijing, stated that despite all opposition efforts and persuasion by President-elect Pavel, their meeting was an “official contact” and an intervention. in China’s internal affairs.
Stating that the meeting violated the Czech Republic’s adherence to the “one China” principle and sent the wrong signal to the separatist forces defending Taiwan’s independence, spokesman Mao said: “We condemn this behavior and protest against the Czech side.” . saying.
Emphasizing that the one-China principle is China’s main interest and the political basis of its relations with countries with which it has diplomatic relations, Mao said: “We call on the Czech Republic to immediately correct this mistake and take measures effective in eliminating the negative effects of the event,” he said.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Pavel, who won the Czech presidential elections held on January 27-28, first made a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-Wen.
Pavel stated that the meeting discussed issues such as the common values of the two countries, democracy, freedom and human rights, and that they hope to have a face-to-face meeting in the near future as well as strengthen cooperation.
The Chinese side, which had tensions with the Czech Republic, which has good relations with Taiwan, canceled joint cultural programs with this country in 2020. (AA)