China Suspends Engagements with Czech President over Dalai Lama Meeting

China has announced a suspension of all diplomatic engagements with Czech Republic President Petr Pavel after his meeting with the Dalai Lama in India, which Beijing views as a violation of political commitments and a harm to its sovereignty. The Chinese Foreign Ministry lodged a formal diplomatic protest, condemning Pavel's actions as provocative and contrary to China's territorial integrity claims. Pavel's meeting, which coincided with the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday, marked the first time a sitting head of state visited the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, who China regards as a separatist. Despite China's repeated protests, Pavel extended warm congratulations during the meeting, which he undertook in a private capacity according to the Czech presidential office. This diplomatic rift underscores ongoing tensions over Tibet's status and China's sensitivity to international recognition of the Dalai Lama. The move signals a significant escalation in China-Czech Republic relations over issues of sovereignty and political allegiance.