Beijing warns Czech Republic of ‘heavy price’ for challenging ‘one-China’ policy

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that anyone challenging ‘one-China’ policy will have to pay a heavy price, targeting Czech Republic after its top official visited Taiwan. self-governing island republic considers itself as sovereign while China claims province as Beijing’s territory under its one-China policy and has been pushing to implement Hong Kong system in Taiwan.

Czech Republic Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil arrived in Taiwan on August 30 and met top Taiwanese officials, igring Beijing's prior warnings. Wang told reporters during his visit to Germany that challenging one-China policy on Taiwan issue is an act of “international treachery”.

Calling Czech official visit to Taiwan as “provocation”, foreign minister said that Chinese government will make m pay a heavy for ir “short-sighted behaviour.” 

Later, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian strongly condemned “anti-China forces” of Czech Republic for interfering in China’s “internal affairs”. spokesperson urged relevant parties in Czech Republic to take immediate action and avoid sabotaging bilateral relations between China and European nation.

“ir actions cant change fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. Any attempt to eng in political manipulation and...separatist activities will t succeed,” said Zhao at a regular press conference.

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Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-Wen has repeatedly said that self-governing republic wants dialogue with China but can t accept Beijing’s “one country, two systems” policy which undermines “cross-strait status quo”.  During her inaugural address for ar term in highest office, Ing-wen reiterated pledge of “‘peace, parity, democracy, and dialogue”, adding that Taiwan stands by this principle.

US official's visit

China has been furious over recent diplomatic visit foreign nations, especially after visit of US Health Secretary Alex Azar, highest-ranking official to visit island since 1979 when Washinton switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing. Azar echoed US State Secretary Mike Pompeo’s comments, saying Tsai’s cour and vision in leading Taiwan’s vibrant democracy are an inspiration to region and world.

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Read: Czech Delegation Arrives In Taiwan Defying China's Diplomatic Isolation Tactics