Latest news with #Petr Pavel


South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China cuts ties with Czech president over Petr Pavel's birthday visit to Dalai Lama
Beijing has severed ties with Czech President Petr Pavel following his private visit to congratulate the 14th Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday last month. Advertisement The meeting on July 27 'seriously contravenes the political commitment made by the Czech Republic government to the Chinese government, and harms China's sovereignty and territorial integrity,' said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said China 'strongly deplores and firmly opposes' the meeting and that Beijing had lodged serious protests with the Czech side. 'In light of the severity of Pavel's provocative action, China [has decided] to cease all engagement with him.' Pavel's spokesman Filip Platos told Czech News Agency (CTK) last month: 'On return from a working visit to Japan, the president took the opportunity to detach himself from the delegation to personally congratulate the Dalai Lama'. Advertisement The meeting marks the first time a sitting Czech president has met the Dalai Lama during his stay in India. Shortly after the meeting, the Chinese embassy in the Czech Republic said it 'resolutely opposed' Pavel's meeting and urged the Czech side to 'abide by its one-China political commitment' and maintain healthy and stable relations.


Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
China Cuts Relations With Czech President Over Dalai Lama Visit
China said it will cease engagement with Czech President Petr Pavel over his meeting with the Dalai Lama, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Pavel met the 14th Dalai Lama in India in July despite strong opposition from Beijing, which considers the Tibetan spiritual leader a separatist. The Czech presidential office said the meeting with the Dalai Lama, who celebrated his 90th birthday last month, took place in a private capacity.