Czech Senate President Vystrčil: 'Never succumb to China, become a vassal state,' ensuring Taiwan is not alone

(Central News Agency, reporter Yang Yaoru, Taipei, 4th) On the final day of his visit to Taiwan, Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil held a press conference. When asked about potential pressure from China, he stressed, 'We must never succumb to pressure and become a vassal state,' adding that politicians need the resilience to withstand pressure. Regarding cooperation on resilience, Vystrčil said it is important to ensure that Taiwan is not alone in the world.

Vystrčil held a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon. Also present were Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan's Representative to the Czech Republic Chen Li-kuo, and Representative David Steinke of the Czech Economic and Cultural Office.

In his remarks, Vystrčil stated that this visit was at the invitation of Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu and based on a resolution of the Czech Parliament recommending the deepening of bilateral relations, a resolution supported by 54 of the 68 attending senators. He noted that taking a China Airlines direct flight for this trip was one of the outcomes achieved during his 2020 visit, and that in the future, increased flights could allow for daily direct flights to Prague.

Detailing his itinerary in Taiwan, Vystrčil mentioned the 'Special Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Star' conferred by President Lai Ching-te. He said he was honored to receive this distinction from President Lai and cherished the President's friendly reception. Regarding the National Development Council's proposal for an additional 50 million euros for the Czech Republic, Vystrčil emphasized that this would help businesses from both sides enter each other's markets, and that the Czech Republic would provide necessary assistance, with cooperation relying on mutual trust and attitude.

Vystrčil said that the Czech government did not provide a special plane for this trip, and he came to Taiwan carrying his own backpack and luggage. In the past, the results of visits would only gradually appear after returning home, but this time, leading a delegation of over 40 people from business and academia, there were already considerable results on the final day of the trip, and he believes more results will be seen in the future.

Asked by the media whether he was concerned about facing similar pressure as New Zealand lawmakers who were sanctioned by China after visiting Taiwan, Vystrčil said he faced great pressure during his first visit but still overcame the difficulties to come to Taiwan. If anyone applies pressure this time, 'we must never succumb to pressure and become a vassal state.'

Vystrčil emphasized that the job of a politician is to serve the country and its citizens. Democratic countries should interact with other democratic countries, including Taiwan. 'I am not opposed to cooperating with other countries, but it must be on equal, reasonable, and mutually beneficial terms,' he said, adding that politicians need resilience and the ability to withstand pressure.

Regarding cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic in countering authoritarianism and strengthening resilience, Vystrčil explained three areas: first, to enhance common security through cooperation and deepen resilience, ensuring Taiwan is not alone in the world; second, to increase competitiveness through technology exchange and deepening trade relations, providing citizens with a sense of mutual trust; and third, market diversification.

Vystrčil further stated that the Czech Republic and Taiwan already have a stable foundation for cooperation in these three areas. He said Taiwan has much to offer the Czech Republic, including technology and chips, and Taiwan can also benefit from Europe, jointly defending the international order.

Asked whether bilateral cooperation includes drones, Vystrčil stated that military cooperation is not within his purview and that the topic of drones was not discussed during this trip, but he acknowledged that there is indeed potential for cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic in the drone field. (Editor: Wan Shuzhang) 1150604