Diplomatic Tensions: Czech President's Meeting with Dalai Lama Irks China

China expressed strong disapproval of Czech President Petr Pavel's recent meeting with the Dalai Lama in India, urging the Czech Republic to honor its 'one-China' political commitment and preserve stable bilateral relations.

The Chinese embassy in the Czech Republic criticized any interactions between government officials globally and the Dalai Lama, describing it as undermining China's territorial integrity. The Czech presidential office referred to the meeting as a private affair amid Pavel's return from Japan.

The historic ties between the Czech Republic and the Dalai Lama were highlighted, with reference to the late Vaclav Havel's friendship with the Tibetan leader. Recent Czech relations with China have been tense, compounded by cybersecurity allegations and Taiwan-related engagements.

(With inputs from agencies.)