China scoffs at new Czech president's phone call with Taiwan
The Hindu
China has accused the new Czech President of challenging its national sovereignty by affirming ties with self-ruled Taiwan in a phone with the island's leader
China on Tuesday accused Czech President-elect Petr Pavel of challenging its hard line on national sovereignty by affirming ties with self-ruled Taiwan in a phone with the island’s leader.
The call on Monday represents a symbolic breach of China’s attempts to cut off the already highly restricted foreign relations of the self-governing democracy, which Beijing claims as its own territory with no right to independent diplomatic recognition.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Mr. Pavel had acted in “defiance of China’s repeated dissuasion and complaints" and “trampled on China’s red line."
Also Read | Taiwan condemns China for latest combat drills near island
“China strongly opposes and deplores this and has made solemn complaints with the Czech side." Ms. Mao said at a daily briefing, adding that the Czech Republic should take steps to “undo the negative impact of this incident so as to avoid irreparable damage to China-Czech relations."
Mr. Pavel, a retired army general, will succeed controversy-courting Milos Zeman in the largely ceremonial but prestigious post. Over his decade in office, Mr. Zeman has drawn criticism for his stances favouring Russia and China, authoritarian states that have strengthened relations since last year's invasion of Ukraine in a joint challenge to the U.S. and its allies.