On May 31, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Czech Republic stated that China consistently opposes any form of official diplomatic relations between countries that have established relations with Taiwan. Viestchil, the chairman of the Senate of the Czech Parliament, ignored the position of the Czech government and public opinion. For personal gain, he continued to visit Taiwan, thereby interfering seriously in Chinas internal affairs and violating Chinas national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This behavior also violates basic principles of international relations and Chinas commitment to one China policy. China strongly condemns this action and firmly opposes it.
It is important to return only the English translation. There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinas territory. The Government of the Peoples Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China. The Chinese government and people are determined to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side urges the Czech side to adhere to the principle of one China and take immediate measures to eliminate the negative effects of this wrongful action. The Chinese side also hopes that practical actions will be taken to maintain the overall development of Sino-Czech relations.
According to a report by The South China Morning Post on June 1st, Viestchil led a delegation of approximately 40 representatives from the Czech business, academic, and cultural communities. They arrived in Taiwan on Monday morning. Before leaving Taiwan on Thursday, he plans to meet with Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te and other senior officials.
Hong Kong media cited Taiwanese reports, stating that before departing, Westerciel claimed that the trip was aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between the two sides in both political and civilian areas. He also declared that he would not surrender to any pressure from China.
This is the second time that Westerciel has visited this region as a member of a delegation, following his first visit to Taiwan in late August 2020.
In recent years, cooperation between the Czech Republic and Taiwan authorities in the field of semiconductors has become increasingly close. Last month, Lin Jia-long, head of Taiwans foreign affairs department, visited the Czech capital and delivered a speech at an international forum, thereby making a strong impression in the Czech Republic.
However, since Andre Babiš became the Czech Prime Minister again in December last year, the official stance of Prague has clearly cooled down. The government he leads seeks to establish a more pragmatic relationship with mainland China, and intends to maintain a distance from the close ties with the Democratic Party authorities that were advocated by the previous government.
December 15, 2025, Prague, Czech Republic. Czech Prime Minister Andre Babiš held a press conference after the first meeting of the new government. IC Photo
In late April, Prime Minister Babiš publicly criticized Výstěchs visit to Taiwan, stating that it would harm Czech-Canadian economic and bilateral relations. He also said that the government did not provide Výstěch with a government aircraft for this trip. Otherwise, the trip would be considered government-related.
In the posts posted on social media, Babish also criticized Westerciel and the previous Speaker of the House of Representatives for their several visits to Taiwan. He said that these actions destroyed economic and trade cooperation.
Vestcihel lastly ignored objections from all parties and insisted on going to Taiwan. He was criticized by both the then-Czech President Zeman and Prime Minister Babiš. The entire trip turned into a ridiculous farce. When he led his delegation to Taiwan, he shouted I am a Taiwanese. This caused the Taiwanese lawmakers to applaud. Upon returning to the Czech Republic, he tried to justify his actions in parliament by claiming, I never said that Taiwan is an independent country.
Zeman said in an interview with Czech media that Westickl, despite the opposition from the Czech government, insisted on visiting Taiwan, thereby damaging Czech-China relations and harming Czech interests. Babiš also disagreed with Westickls actions and criticized him harshly during a televised debate for violating the one-China principle.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated at the time that China appreciated President Zemans commitment to promoting friendly relations and cooperation between China and Czech Republic. It also appreciated his consistent adherence to the correct position on major and sensitive issues related to China. A healthy development of relations between China and Czech Republic serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples. China hopes to work with the Czech side to eliminate obstacles based on mutual respect and equality, thereby promoting the continued progress of bilateral relations.
Czech Republic is a republic with a parliamentary system and representative democracy. The President serves primarily as a ceremonial figure, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. Its legislative body consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Among these, the House of Representatives has the most power, and the government, as the executive branch, is accountable to it. However, since the Czech President was elected in 2013, the countrys political system has gradually shifted towards a semi-presidential system.
Since Pavel was elected as the President of Czech Republic in 2023, he has repeatedly ignored Chinese warnings and negotiations. He has engaged in so-called official exchanges with Taiwanese authorities, thereby interfering seriously in Chinas internal affairs. This behavior clearly violates the political commitment made by the Czech side to uphold the one-China principle. It also sends a wrong signal to those who advocate for Taiwan independence. This has hindered the development of relations between Czech and China in recent years.
After Babiš took office, in January this year, his national security advisor, Hynek Kmoníček, hinted during an interview with Czech media that there might be some kind of change in relations between the Czech Republic and China this year. He said that he was working together with Babiš to plan a shift in Czech policy towards China, and clearly stated that the Czech Republic cannot absent itself from the Chinese market.
