They shall pay a heavy price: China warns Czech speaker Milos Vystrcil as he visits Taiwan

China considers Taiwan to be its own part.

China's Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: "We express strong condemnation and grave concerns over the egregious practices of anti-China forces in the Czech Republic who deliberately violate China's sovereignty and blatantly interfere in China's internal affairs."

"Like you said, as State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi explicitly stated yesterday in Germany, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, and those who challenge the one-China principle on the Taiwan question are walking away from international commitments and making themselves enemies of the 1.4 billion Chinese people.

"Facing provocations from the Czech Senate speaker and the anti-China forces behind him, the Chinese government and people won't sit idly by; they shall pay a heavy price for their short-sighted behaviors and political opportunism," he said.

He said, "We urge the relevant authorities of the Czech Republic to immediately take measures to eliminate the negative impact of this erroneous practice, so as to avoid damaging the big picture of bilateral relations."

"We also solemnly inform the Taiwan authorities and the anti-China forces behind Vystrcil: your acts cannot alter the fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and your attempts of political manipulation and 'Taiwan independence' separatist activities will never succeed," he said.

The Czech Foreign Ministry will summon the Chinese ambassador to Prague after threatening statements were made against a Czech politician visiting Taiwan, reports Euro News.

Czech diplomat Tomas Petricek told the news website: "This trip has of course an impact on our relations with China, but I think that these words go too far."

Milos Vystrcil arrived in Taiwan on Sunday with his delegation.

Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province which is not legible for state-to-state relations.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen earlier welcomed the Czech leader and tweeted: "On behalf of the people of #Taiwan, I’d like to extend a sincere welcome to #CzechRepublic SenatCZ President @Vystrcil_Milos & all the members of the delegation. Our nations share many core values & we look forward to furthering cooperation in all areas."

 

"President Kennedy used the phrase 'Ich bin ein Berliner' to show his support for the people of Berlin and the highest values of freedom", Vystrcil was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"Maybe I can be more humble, but allow me to use the same determined phrase to conclude my speech in your country's parliament, in Taiwan - I am Taiwanese," he said in his crucial speech.

Lawmakers of the self-ruled island gave him a standing ovation as he concluded the speech, media reports said.

As a precaution against coronavirus he gave his speech wearing a facemask, which was decorated with the flags of the Czech Republic and Taiwan, reports The Telegraph.