China calls for Czech Republic to honor its pledges

China has urged the Czech Republic to honor its commitment to the one-China policy, and stop harming ties between the two countries, and warned that "Taiwan independence" separatists will be held accountable.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks on Tuesday, commenting on reports that Hsiao Bi-khim, the Taiwan region's deputy-head-elect, is on a visit to the Czech Republic.

Hsiao had been invited to the country by the think tank Sinopsis, according to Reuters, which said that Czech Senate Speaker Milos Vystrcil posted a picture on Tuesday on his X social media account of him meeting and chatting with Hsiao.

China firmly opposes official interaction of any form between the Taiwan region and countries that have diplomatic relations with China, Lin, the spokesman, said at a regular news conference.

"It's a solemn commitment the Czech government made in multiple official documents, including the joint statements and joint communique between the Chinese and Czech governments, to uphold the one-China policy, respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and recognize that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China," Lin said.

He called on the Czech Republic to honor the commitment, and "strictly restrain certain politicians".

The Czech Republic should "immediately stop the egregious moves" that undermine its national credibility and its relations with China, and take effective measures to undo the negative influence of Hsiao's visit, Lin said.

"Our message to 'Taiwan independence' separatists is that whoever engages in 'Taiwan independence' will be held accountable by history," he added.

Chen Binhua, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, urged the Czech Republic on Tuesday to observe the one-China principle, handle the Taiwan question with caution, and avoid sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces.

Chen also said the attempts of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities to make "diplomatic "breakthroughs are not conducive to cross-Strait peace and stability.

In another development, Lin urged the United States to refrain from endorsing the Philippines' illegal claims in the South China Sea.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly criticized China's "provocative actions" in the South China Sea, and reaffirmed the US security commitment to the Philippines.

In response, Lin said the US, which is not a party to the South China Sea issue, has no right to interfere in the maritime issues between China and the Philippines.

Military cooperation between the US and the Philippines shouldn't harm China's sovereignty and maritime interests, he said, adding that China will continue to take necessary measures to protect its territorial sovereignty.