Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil plans to lead a large business delegation to Taiwan in the early summer, although his visit could be complicated by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis’ planned visit to China around the same time, Czech media outlet Respekt reported on Tuesday.
Beijing discourages foreign political visits to Taiwan and the proposed date for Vystrcil’s visit to Taipei could coincide with the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which could lead to further objection from China, it said.
Vystrcil is also unsure about how he would travel if Babis uses government aircraft, it said.
Photo: CNA
The prime minister is trying to keep his travel plans out of the spotlight as he builds relations and secure business deals with China while maintaining ties with Taiwan, the report said.
The developments highlight how the new Czech administration is diverging from the priorities of its predecessor, as it is planning two trips to China this year, it added.
Vystrcil has not visited Taiwan since 2020, when he said “I am Taiwanese” during a speech at the Legislative Yuan.
Following the trip, Taiwan invested US$33 million in research, innovation and advanced technology in the Czech Republic.
His speech also inspired other Western lawmakers to visit Taiwan, and he has since received multiple invitations to return to Taipei, the report said said.
“Taiwan has long been a reliable partner. The Czech Republic and Taiwan have more than 30 years of mutually beneficial cooperation, achieving significant results in trade, technological innovation and culture,” Vystrcil said.
Taiwanese companies have created more than 24,000 jobs in the Czech Republic, he said, adding that Taiwan has become an “indispensable player in the global semiconductor industry.”
Taiwan has made great progress in defense, providing an important opportunity for Europe to tighten its own security, he added.
Vystrcil said he plans to lead a large business delegation, possibly in early June, to deepen cooperation between the two nations’ universities and research institutions.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic partnerships, particularly as the Czech Republic and Taiwan have experienced oppression under authoritarian regimes, and understand the effort and sacrifice required to achieve freedom.
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