Czech Senate speaker leaves on business mission to Taiwan

The Speaker of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil has left on a business mission to Taiwan, accompanied by a delegation of 90 people, including Prague Mayor Zdeněk Hřib, a group of senators, prominent business leaders and academics.

Mr. Vystrčil, who is the second highest official in the land, is to meet with Taiwan’s top officials, including the president, prime minister and members of parliament.

The visit has elicited sharp protests from China and criticism from some officials on the home scene.

Mr. Vystrčil said earlier that the visit would confirm that the Czech Republic had not swerved from its post-1989 ideals of freedom and democracy and would help to revitalize the country’s economy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.