Beijing condemns Czech Republic for hosting Taiwan delegation, says EU state ‘infringes on China’s sovereignty’

INA-  sources 

Beijing on Wednesday blamed the Czech Republic for receiving a Taiwanese delegation, saying it was a violation of the “One China” policy, in a statement broadcast in Prague, reports AFP.

Led by Taiwanese Parliament Speaker You Si-kun, the delegation spent four days in the Czech Republic, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Chinese embassy in Prague called You Si-kun a “relentless separatist” and accused Prague of “violating China’s sovereignty and territorial unity.”

China is trying to keep Taipei isolated and condemn its legitimacy on the international stage.

Czech Republic officially supports “One China” policy

Unlike other EU member states, the Czech Republic officially subscribes to the “One China” policy, but its officials maintain close relations with Taiwan, according to Agerpres.

“China urges the Czech Republic to respect China’s positions and maintain its commitments on the ‘One China’ policy,” the Chinese embassy in Prague said in a statement.

“China will take all necessary measures to limit Taiwan’s separatist claims,” the statement said.

You Si-kun immediately dismissed China’s warnings.

“Every time we are invited somewhere, China will comment and protest, no matter where we go,” he said.

According to Czech President Milos Vystrcil, inviting You Si-kun does not violate the “One China” policy.

“On the contrary, this is how a free, democratic and sovereign country must act,” he told reporters.

Two years ago, Vystrcil angered China by sending a delegation of 90 politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists and journalists to Taiwan.

Last year, 66 Taiwanese officials traveled to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania for a tender to establish trade relations between the regions.

During his visit to the Czech Republic, You Si-Kun visited Milos Vystrcil’s home region and also met with the speaker of the lower house of parliament.

He will then travel to Lithuania, whose authorities have exasperated China by opening a Taiwanese embassy in Vilnius last year.

Taiwan plans to open a Cultural Center in Prague next year, You Si-Kun’s delegation announced.