VOI World/ Desk
China has announced it is suspending all official engagements with Czech President Petr Pavel following his meeting with the Dalai Lama in India on July 27. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the meeting violated a political commitment by the Czech government and harmed China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Beijing described the action as “provocative” and lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Prague.
President Pavel met the Tibetan spiritual leader—who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Chinese rule—during a private visit to congratulate him on his 90th birthday. It marked the first time a sitting Czech head of state had met the Dalai Lama.
The Czech presidential office has not yet responded formally to China’s decision. The Czech Republic maintains diplomatic ties with China at the government level, but relations with the president have now been cut off.
This move escalates tensions between Beijing and Prague, following previous incidents. Notably, shortly after Pavel’s election in early 2023, his call with Taiwan’s leader had also provoked strong Chinese criticism.
