Taiwan decorates Czech Senate president for 'firm support' to the island

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te bestowed the nation's highest civilian honor, the Order of Propitious Clouds, upon Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil on Tuesday. The award signifies the Taiwanese people's "highest respect and gratitude" for Vystrčil's "firm support" and "outstanding contribution" to relations between Taipei and Prague.

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firm support

During the ceremony at the Presidential Office in Taipei, President Lai highlighted the shared experiences of Taiwan and the Czech Republic, both having endured long periods under authoritarian regimes. He emphasized that both nations understand the hard-won nature of freedom. "In the future, Taiwan and the Czech Republic will continue to advance hand in hand, on the side of freedom and democracy, contributing further to world peace, stability, and prosperity," Lai stated, expressing hope for collaboration in areas such as smart medicine, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.

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outstanding contribution

Vystrčil arrived in Taiwan on Monday for a four-day visit, accompanied by a delegation of approximately forty individuals. This visit underscores the growing ties between Taiwan and several Central and Eastern European countries, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While only the Vatican maintains official diplomatic relations with Taipei among European nations, many others have strengthened their connections with the island.

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Taiwan and the Czech Republic have lived long periods under authoritarian regimes, so both sides know well that freedom is not easily won.

China, which considers Taiwan an inalienable part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve unification, had previously expressed its "firm opposition" to Vystrčil's visit. Beijing denounced the visit as a severe violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding Taiwan's international engagements.

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In the future, Taiwan and the Czech Republic will continue to advance hand in hand, on the side of freedom and democracy, contributing further to world peace, stability, and prosperity.