Former President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, visited Europe and attended the opening ceremony of the “Forum 2000” in the Czech Republic on the evening of the 13th, sitting next to the President of the Czech Senate, Vystrčil, with whom she had a close interaction.
In a Facebook post, Tsai Ing-wen stated that she traveled to the Czech Republic and other European countries to convey the unwavering belief of the Taiwanese people in guarding democracy and freedom to Taiwan’s friends in Europe, and to deepen Taiwan-Europe relations. During her visit, Tsai Ing-wen mentioned she would participate in the “Forum 2000” in the Czech Republic and deliver a speech sharing Taiwan’s democratic experiences, as well as join forces with like-minded partners on the international stage to face the world’s serious challenges together.
At the 28th “Forum 2000” award ceremony, attended by over 400 guests from around the world, including former President Tsai Ing-wen, the President of the Czech Senate Vystrčil, Russian opposition leader Kara-Murza, former Slovak Prime Minister Radičová, and Hudson Institute researcher and Wall Street Journal columnist Walter Russell Mead.
Tsai Ing-wen and Vystrčil sat beside each other during the entire award ceremony. This was not their first meeting, as in late August 2020, Vystrčil led a 90-member delegation to Taiwan, meeting with then-President Tsai Ing-wen, which marked a new chapter in Taiwan-Czech relations. Vystrčil’s speech in the Legislative Yuan, where he stated in Chinese “I am Taiwanese,” garnered significant attention and support for Taiwan’s freedom and democracy.
In November 2020, Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Vystrčil on his successful reelection as the President of the Czech Senate via Facebook. She praised Vystrčil for his principles, leadership, and being a true friend of Taiwan.
Despite being an informal visit, Czech Republic extended a high-level reception to Tsai Ing-wen. She is expected to meet with Czech President Pavel, Senate President Vystrčil, and Chamber of Deputies President Adamova. The Chinese Communist Party has as usual expressed protest over such meetings.
According to Czech media Reflex, during this year’s Forum 2000, Czech President Pavel is set to have a meeting with Tsai Ing-wen. After being elected President last year, Pavel had a 15-minute phone call with Tsai Ing-wen, causing protests from the Chinese Communist Party and being hailed by Taiwan as a “diplomatic breakthrough.”
Reports indicate that both Czech Senate President Vystrčil and Chamber of Deputies President Adamova will also meet with Tsai Ing-wen. This won’t be their first meeting, as both Czech officials have been warmly welcomed in Taiwan in the past. Vystrčil visited Taiwan in 2020, while Adamova made a visit in March 2023, with both visits drawing criticism from the Chinese Communist Party, even leading to open threats to Vystrčil.
The relationship between Czech Republic and Taiwan goes beyond politics. Taiwan is a key investor in Czech Republic, with cooperation in technology, culture, education fields, and direct flights between Taipei and Prague by China Airlines since July last year.
The Office of the President of the Republic of China recently announced that former President Tsai Ing-wen will be visiting the Czech Republic and other European countries on the 12th. The spokesperson of the Presidential Office, Kuo Yahuai, noted that President Tsai Ing-wen had the full support of President Lai Ching-te for the visit, with the National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs carefully planning and providing necessary assistance for the trip to ensure security. President Lai also expressed hopes that the visit would continue to deepen Taiwan’s friendship with European countries and strengthen Taiwan-Europe relations for the betterment of both parties.