Prague and Taipei mayors meet, discuss China

Prague's Mayor Zdenek Hrib said on Friday that promises China made about investment in the Czech Republic have not been fulfilled.

Hrib was speaking to journalists before meeting with Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je during his visit to Taiwan.

Hrib said he thinks that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and China's economic growth slowing down, the proposed investment will not happen soon.

He also said that the threats against Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil from Foreign Minister Wang Yi "are completely unacceptable" and that there are other European countries that "feel the same way."

Hrib further emphasised that the Czech Republic has its own interpretation of the "One China Policy" and that it is not a problem for Czech politicians to visit who they want.

Prague cancelled a sister cities agreement with Beijing last year after China insisted on having a clause in the deal stating that Prague supports the one China principle, which states that Taiwan is a part of China.

In reaction to Prague's decision to sign a new sister cities agreement with Taipei, China cancelled the tours of several Prague classical music ensembles and orchestras.

Taipei and Prague signed the agreement in January.

To further strengthen the partnership, both cities will seek to exchange and cooperate on a range of activities including combating COVID-19, animals conservation, educational and cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation and smart cities and start-up innovation.

Hrib said he visited the Taiwan-based China Airlines earlier this week to negotiate direct flights between Prague and Taipei.

He also announced that Prague Philharmonia will put on performances in Taipei next October.