The head of Taiwanese diplomacy “noticed” with the Mushroom
“Taiwan is a much more reliable partner than the People’s Republic of China, which, for example, literally bullied the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra before their unrealized tour. Taiwan, on the other hand, supports Prague vocational schools, to which it has supplied other robotic arms. Both approaches cannot be compared at all, “said Hřib, who also appreciated the work of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office based in Prague. “As a trained doctor, he also claims that Taiwan will not participate in international structures, including the World Health Organization, depriving the whole world of valuable experience. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that Taiwan was well prepared for a dangerous infection originating in mainland China, “the mayor added.
Joseph Wu emphasized that Czech-Taiwanese relations had strengthened Hřiba and Vystrčil’s trips to the island in the last two years, and the stay of the Taiwanese trade delegation in Prague followed them up. “I personally was in your city for the first time and I am ready to spread the word about its beauties at home. I believe that after the disappearance of covid, tourist contacts will be fully restored, “said Wu, who sees the potential for cooperation between the two countries in sharing experiences regarding cyber grapes or the production of microchips, of which Taiwan is the dominant producer.
“Unpleasant” reactions from Beijing
A few days before the arrival of the Taiwanese minister in Central Europe, Reuters quoted “unpleasant” reactions from Beijing to his planned meetings with Czech (and Slovak) politicians. In this context, Reuters recalls the dispute between the PRC and Lithuania over the agreement between the Baltic State and Taiwan on the de facto reciprocal opening of embassies. However, official relations with Taiwan have no European country except the Vatican due to Chinese pressure, and the reception of the head of diplomacy in Prague is perceived as “unique” in this context.
“Joseph Wu is a typical separatist who makes such visits to defend ‘Taiwan independence,’ to pit China and the countries with which we have diplomatic relations,” said Zhao Lijian, China’s foreign ministry. “Firmly committed to protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakub Kulhánek (CSSD) described the Chinese party’s comments as “strong statements that have no place in diplomacy.” And he pointed out that the Taiwanese delegation visited the Czech Republic at the invitation of a private institute in which the state did not engage in any way.
“Taiwan is a clear inspiration for the National Industry Center 4.0. More than 3.5% of GDP is allocated to science and research. For example, the Taiwanese ITRI Institute, which employs over six thousand people, has incubated almost three hundred companies. Such examples need to be constantly monitored, lessons learned where they make sense, ”said Robert Keil of the National Industry Center 4.0, which is starting a week-long meeting with the Taiwanese delegation at CTU.
