Former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) attended the opening night of the 28th Forum 2000 in the Czech Republic on October 13. However, Tsai’s unofficial visit is of further interest as it reflects not only Beijing's worries about Taiwan’s participation in the international community but also its changing relationship with the hosting Czech Republic.
Tsai has already met several high-profile members of the Czech government, including Senate President Miloš Vystrčil, and Parliamentary Chamber of Deputies President Markéta Pekarová Adamová, and will meet with Czech President Petr Pavel.
China has grown increasingly dissatisfied with the direction Taiwanese-Czech relations have developed. In response to Tsai’s current visit, the Chinese Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) urged countries to deal cautiously with Taiwan and not send the wrong signals. She further declared the acts of the DPP as “Taiwan separatist activities”, accusing them of deceiving the international community.
While the current Czech government maintains the status quo by not officially recognizing Taiwan’s independence, it seems prepared to re-examine its relationship with China. Taiwan is an important investor in the Czech Republic, and the two countries have carried out cooperative work in the technology, culture, and education sectors.
However the international clash plays out, Tsai is still slated to speak Tuesday at the 28th Forum 2000. The conference is dedicated to gathering intelligent leaders from around the world to discuss ways to promote peaceful resolution of global issues and runs from October 13 through 15.