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European Attitudes Harden as Czech Visit to Taiwan Triggers Chinese Fury

Henry Ridgwell

   LONDON - A bitter dispute between China and the Czech Republic
   threatens to affect relations between Europe and Beijing.

   A delegation from the Czech Senate has visited Taiwan, which China
   claims as part of its territory. A strongly worded threat from Beijing
   against the head of the delegation prompted criticism from European
   Union leaders.

   The dispute comes as Europe has hardened its language toward Beijing on
   a range of disagreements in recent months, from the crackdown on
   pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong to China's handling of the
   coronavirus pandemic.

   Speaking Tuesday in the Taiwanese parliament, the president of the
   Czech Senate, Milos Vystrcil, called for democracies to safeguard their
   way of life. In Czech and Mandarin, he said, "I am Taiwanese," echoing
   the famous speech by John F. Kennedy on a visit to divided Berlin in
   1963. Vystrcil's address drew a standing ovation from Czech lawmakers.

   Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, said Thursday that she hoped the
   Czech visit would strengthen ties with Europe.

   "Our actions are telling friends in Europe and all over the world,
   whether Taiwanese or Czechs, we will not succumb to oppression, we will
   bravely speak up, actively participate in international affairs and
   contribute with our capabilities," she said.

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