Commentary
Politics
Unlocked
This Polish-German Border Community Still Believes In The European Miracle – LONG READ
3 October 2025
Although he received sharp condemnation from Beijing, Czech President Petr Pavel’s private meeting with the Dalai Lama has resonated positively at home – reflecting a broader trend of strong public support for Tibet and growing skepticism toward China.
“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to President Pavel’s disregard for China’s solemn position and the overall situation of China-Czech relations, and his insistence on going to India to meet with […] a political exile who engages in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.”
So reads the official statement of the Chinese Embassy in Prague, in reaction to a meeting between Czech President Petr Pavel and the Dalai Lama. “Given the seriousness of Pavel’s provocative meeting, China has decided to end all contacts with him,” added the Chinese Foreign Ministry a few days later.