Czech Prime Minister: Czech Approach to China and Taiwan Should Follow Allies

Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babiš told reporters on Tuesday that the Czech approach to China and Taiwan should follow that of its allies. He made this statement in response to remarks by Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, who previously claimed that the current cabinet is attempting to develop relations with China at the expense of ties with Taiwan.

According to the Czech News Agency quoting Babiš: "Our approach to China and Taiwan should emulate that of our allies—just as the United States, Italy, Germany, and France handle their relations with China and Taiwan."

The Czech Prime Minister emphasized the need to "pragmatically" manage issues concerning China and Taiwan. At the same time, he dismissed media speculation and statements from various political figures about his planned visit to China. He stated: "I have no plans to go to China. There is absolutely no such plan."

The source of tension between these two Czech political figures stems from the government's refusal to provide a Defense Ministry aircraft for Vystrčil’s business delegation trip to Taiwan from May to June.

Babiš announced on Sunday that the cabinet had decided not to offer the special aircraft for this purpose, as doing so would give the visit a governmental character, which is unnecessary. Foreign policy is determined by the government, not the Senate. The Prime Minister stressed: "Our foreign policy differs from that of the Senate." He added that the Senate President could travel to Taiwan using regular commercial flights.

Beijing has repeatedly criticized the Czech Senate’s pro-Taiwan actions and statements. Previously, China’s embassy in the Czech Republic opposed several Senate resolutions, accusing them of interfering in internal affairs or failing to respect the "One China" principle.

In 2020, Vystrčil led a business delegation to Taiwan, triggering strong protests from Beijing.

The Czech government adheres to the policy of other EU countries, upholding the "One China" principle.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1863197343873035/

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