China cuts contacts with Czech president over meeting with Dalai Lama

The Chinese authorities have decided to cease all contacts with Czech President Petr Pavel over his meeting with the 14th Dalai Lama, which Beijing says has harmed China’s sovereignty, Report informs via TASS.

"Despite repeated démarches and firm protests from China, Czech President Petr Pavel insisted on meeting with the Dalai Lama in India. This is a serious violation of the political commitments made by the Czech authorities to the Chinese government, and it undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. In light of Petr Pavel’s provocative actions, China has decided not to maintain any contacts with him," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the announcement.