Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has criticised a planned visit to Taiwan by Senate leader Miloš Vystrčil, warning it could damage business ties with China, according to recent reports.
The dispute centres on Vystrčil’s intention to lead a business delegation to Taiwan in the coming months, a move that has revived longstanding tensions in Prague’s foreign policy between economic engagement with Beijing and political outreach to Taipei.
Babiš has signalled concern that such a trip, particularly if perceived as having official backing, could complicate relations with China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and strongly opposes foreign political visits to the island. Officials in Beijing have historically reacted sharply to similar engagements, warning of potential economic consequences and diplomatic fallout.
The Czech government recently declined to provide a state aircraft for Vystrčil’s trip, with Babiš saying granting such support could be interpreted as endorsing the visit at a government level. The Senate leader is still expected to travel commercially, but the decision has sparked criticism from opposition figures who argue it undermines parliamentary independence and economic cooperation with Taiwan.
Vystrčil’s planned visit is expected to include a sizeable business delegation aimed at strengthening trade, technology and academic partnerships between the Czech Republic and Taiwan. Supporters of the trip point to Taiwan’s growing importance in global supply chains, particularly in semiconductors, and its role as a democratic partner.
The issue highlights a broader balancing act for Prague, which has in recent years sought to maintain economic ties with China while also deepening relations with Taiwan. China has previously criticised Czech political contacts with Taiwan and has, in some cases, threatened retaliatory measures against Czech companies.
Analysts say the timing of the visit could further complicate matters, as it may overlap with planned diplomatic engagement between the Czech government and China, reflecting diverging priorities within the country’s leadership.
While the Czech Republic formally adheres to the “One China” policy, its political leaders have increasingly taken independent positions on Taiwan, underscoring shared democratic values and economic cooperation. The latest dispute suggests those tensions are likely to persist, with potential implications for both diplomatic relations and business interests.
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