Czech president opines that Taiwan will ‘soon’ be peacefully united with the mainland
Beijing, Oct. 27 (special ČTK correspondent) — Czech President Miloš Zeman reassured his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, today that the Czech Republic recognizes the territorial integrity of China, including Tibet and Taiwan, and that it will not interfere in its internal affairs.
Zeman said he believes that Taiwan will soon be peacefully united with the continental China.
The Czech Republic does not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which became independent in 1949.
The Czech Republic pledged not to support any form of Tibet’s independence, and during Foreign Affairs Minister Lubomír Zaorálek’s visit to Beijing in April, the minister said Prague recognizes China’s territorial integrity. At the time, he was criticized by Czech human rights organizations and the opposition.
Xi Jinping said he will strive for this year — when 65 years have passed since the establishment of Czech-Chinese diplomatic relations — to be a new restart in bilateral relations.
Today, the last day of his visit to China, Zeman also met Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Before departing, he will take part in a state dinner hosted by President Xi.
Czech and Chinese representatives will sign several agreements, including one on the preparation of an animated fairy tale about a Czech mole (Krtek) and a Chinese panda.
