In a recently published Czech-language Indo-Pacific strategic policy framework document (titled Strategie České republicky pro spolupráci s Indo-Pacifikem)—focusing on the theme of “Closer than we think” (“Bliže, než si myslíme”)—the government of the Czech Republic sets out its vision for cooperation with Indo-Pacific nations, stating that it will deepen cooperation and engagement with Taiwan and other free and democratic Indo-Pacific partners. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) sincerely welcomes and appreciates this.
The strategic document notes that the Czech Republic shares the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights with numerous like-minded Indo-Pacific nations and that the Czech Republic will continue to pay close attention to such geopolitical and security issues as the situation across the Taiwan Strait and in the South and East China Seas. It says that the Czech Republic supports a free and open Indo-Pacific and is deeply concerned about any situation that undermines the regional order. It also defines China as a systemic rival in the Indo-Pacific region. The document emphasizes that the Czech Republic will develop bilateral relations with like-minded nations in line with the rules-based international order, adding that the Czech Republic regards Taiwan as a major partner in its future Indo-Pacific strategy.
As part of the strategic document, the Czech government cites a January 2022 policy statement, maintaining the outlook of progressively deepening cooperation with Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific partners and emphasizing that the strengthening of relations with Taiwan and other regional partners is in the best interests of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic’s clear positioning of Taiwan as a major focus of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region fully demonstrates its high regard for Taiwan-Czech Republic relations.
As like-minded partners, Taiwan and the Czech Republic are developing comprehensive and cooperative relations and jointly opposing authoritarian expansion based on their shared values of freedom and democracy. MOFA welcomes the Czech government’s high degree of concern regarding Indo-Pacific regional affairs, as well as the importance it places upon deepening friendly Taiwan-Czech Republic relations. Taiwan will continue to heighten cooperation in all areas with the Czech Republic and other like-minded partners and jointly safeguard the freedom, openness, peace, and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
