In the wake of Czech President Petr Pavel’s meeting with the Dalai Lama in July 2025, China severed all engagements with the Czech head of state. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated in August that Pavel’s visit was a “malign provocation” and “undermined China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” In an age where communication channels are being weaponized to compel compliance, signal grievance, assert status, and inflict punishment, Beijing’s punitive silence warrants urgent attention.
Pavel paid a personal visit to the Dalai Lama in India on the occasion of the Tibetan Buddhist leader’s 90th birthday on July 27. The trip was reportedly conducted in a private capacity. Nevertheless it elicited vehement protest from the Chinese government, which culminated in the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s announcement of disengagement from Pavel.
There are three points to note. First, the ostracism was targeted only at the president. So far, it appears from various Chinese internet sources that other communication channels, including contact with the Czech prime minister, and economic interactio
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