Vystrčil's Taiwan Visit Plane Rejected by PM; Czech Opposition Leader Calls it Narrow-minded
Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil's plan to visit Taiwan in June has been denied a government plane by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who fears damage to Czech commercial interests in China. Opposition leaders criticized the decision, with one calling it 'narrow-minded' and emphasizing the economic importance of cooperation with Taiwan.
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- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 18:05
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PRAGUE, April 20 (CNA) - Czech Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil's plan to visit Taiwan in June has sparked a heated debate in Czech politics, as Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has refused to approve the use of a government plane, citing concerns about potential damage to Czech commercial interests in China. Opposition parties have criticized this decision.
Vystrčil, who made a notable visit to Taiwan in 2020, stating 'I am Taiwanese' in a speech to the Legislative Yuan, has received multiple invitations from Taiwan and decided to visit again.
Babiš posted a video on social media on April 19, stating, 'We have not approved the official government plane for Vystrčil's trip to Taiwan. We will not adopt the policy of (former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) Pekarová Adamová and Vystrčil, which damages our commercial interests in China. Škoda cars can no longer be sold in China.'
Martin Kupka, chairman of the People's Democratic Party (ODS), called the decision 'narrow-minded' and 'obstruction' by the government, emphasizing the significant economic importance of cooperation with Taiwan. 'We not only have centrally planned fuel prices, but now even the travel plans of the highest constitutional officials are supervised by the Prime Minister's office,' he added.
According to reports from Blesk.cz, Babiš, attending an event in Chodov, Prague, on April 18, shared his views on Vystrčil's upcoming visit, stating, 'Our policy towards China is consistent with Macron, Meloni, and all NATO and EU allies. These politicians have actually damaged our businesses' trade in China.'
Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized Babiš's decision, questioning if he was catering to China. Former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek also expressed extreme dissatisfaction, calling Babiš a 'jerk.'
Respekt magazine recently reported that Babiš is considering a visit to China in June to improve bilateral relations and reach commercial agreements. Vystrčil's visit to Taiwan could complicate matters, as Beijing might not only be displeased with Vystrčil's visit but also his timing, potentially overlapping with the Tiananmen Square anniversary on June 4.
The Czech government has approved other trips using government planes, including Babiš's visits to Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as to Central Asian countries. Czech President Petr Pavel also plans to visit several European countries, but a flight to attend a NATO summit in Turkey is not on the list. (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150420
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Vystrčil, who made a notable visit to Taiwan in 2020, stating 'I am Taiwanese' in a speech to the Legislative Yuan, has received multiple invitations from Taiwan and decided to visit again.
Babiš posted a video on social media on April 19, stating, 'We have not approved the official government plane for Vystrčil's trip to Taiwan. We will not adopt the policy of (former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies) Pekarová Adamová and Vystrčil, which damages our commercial interests in China. Škoda cars can no longer be sold in China.'
Martin Kupka, chairman of the People's Democratic Party (ODS), called the decision 'narrow-minded' and 'obstruction' by the government, emphasizing the significant economic importance of cooperation with Taiwan. 'We not only have centrally planned fuel prices, but now even the travel plans of the highest constitutional officials are supervised by the Prime Minister's office,' he added.
According to reports from Blesk.cz, Babiš, attending an event in Chodov, Prague, on April 18, shared his views on Vystrčil's upcoming visit, stating, 'Our policy towards China is consistent with Macron, Meloni, and all NATO and EU allies. These politicians have actually damaged our businesses' trade in China.'
Former Prime Minister Petr Fiala criticized Babiš's decision, questioning if he was catering to China. Former Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek also expressed extreme dissatisfaction, calling Babiš a 'jerk.'
Respekt magazine recently reported that Babiš is considering a visit to China in June to improve bilateral relations and reach commercial agreements. Vystrčil's visit to Taiwan could complicate matters, as Beijing might not only be displeased with Vystrčil's visit but also his timing, potentially overlapping with the Tiananmen Square anniversary on June 4.
The Czech government has approved other trips using government planes, including Babiš's visits to Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as to Central Asian countries. Czech President Petr Pavel also plans to visit several European countries, but a flight to attend a NATO summit in Turkey is not on the list. (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150420
Choose to stand with the facts. Every sponsorship you provide is a force for defending press freedom.
Download the CNA 'One News' APP for real-time updates.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.