China severs all ties with Czech president after Dalai Lama meeting

China has suspended all engagement with Czech President Petr Pavel following his July 27 meeting with the Dalai Lama, which Beijing says undermined its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“In disregard of China’s repeated protests and strong opposition, 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,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, according to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Prague.

The Dalai Lama, Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, advocates for the region’s autonomy and the preservation of its culture, a stance that makes him controversial since Beijing sees him as a separatist who threatens China’s territorial unity.

Pavel traveled to India after an official visit to Japan to congratulate the Tibetan spiritual leader on his 90th birthday. The Chinese Embassy says Pavel ignored Beijing’s position and the state of bilateral relations. It urged the Czech Republic to adhere to its one-China political commitment.

“In light of the severity of Pavel’s provocative action, China will cease all engagement with him,” Lin added.

Czechia has historically kept close relations with Tibet, even displaying banners that celebrated the leader's birthday in the center of Prague.

The Dalai Lama, the 14th in his lineage, has lived in exile in Dharamsala, India, since fleeing Tibet following a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. Beijing regards him as a separatist and rejects the Tibetan government-in-exile.

The Dalai Lama denies advocating independence, saying he seeks greater autonomy for Tibet and protection of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

The Czech News Agency has requested comment from the Czech Presidential Office.