China cuts ties with Czech president over 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.

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.

He added that 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”.

The meeting marked the first time a sitting Czech president had met the Dalai Lama during his stay in India. Shortly after the meeting, the Chinese embassy in Prague 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.