At the Munich Security Conference this weekend, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky to discuss improving relations between their countries. Wang emphasized China’s willingness to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with the Czech Republic, provided that mutual respect for core interests is upheld.
“China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace and is committed to developing relations with all nations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Wang Yi stated. He noted that while China and the Czech Republic have long-standing ties, recent years have seen a downturn in their relationship, a situation China does not wish to see.
Wang expressed hope that the Czech side would “engage in earnest self-reflection” and take concrete actions to rebuild trust. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the one-China principle to safeguard the political foundation of China-Czech relations.
Lipavsky acknowledged the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations, recalling the strategic partnership established during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Czech Republic in 2016. He highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the Czech Republic and China, especially amid global challenges such as trade tensions.
“The Czech government pursues a one-China policy and does not support ‘Taiwan independence,'” Lipavsky affirmed. He expressed the Czech Republic’s willingness to work with China to develop sound political relations and advance bilateral cooperation for better outcomes.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on China-European Union relations and other pressing issues, including the Ukraine crisis.
