China is severing all contacts with Czech President Petr Pavel over his meeting with the Dalai Lama last month, Beijing’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday.
“In disregard of China’s repeated protests and strong opposition, Czech President Petr Pavel went to India to meet with the Dalai Lama. This seriously contravenes the political commitment made by the Czech government to the Chinese government, and harms China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press briefing.
“China strongly deplores and firmly opposes this, and has lodged serious protests with the Czech side. In light of the severity of Pavel’s provocative action, China decides to cease all engagement with him,” the spokesperson added.
Pavel met the Dalai Lama, the aging Tibetan spiritual leader who resides in exile in India, on a private trip at the end of July to congratulate him on his 90th birthday.
China does not recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile, considers Tibet to be part of its territory and accuses the Dalai Lama of being a separatist.
Pavel and China have clashed over similar issues, most notably when the Czech president angered Beijing when he called Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen shortly after his inauguration in January 2023.
The Dalai Lama, who is the head of Tibetan Buddhism, recently said he hopes to live beyond 130 years.