Archive · 28 Jul 2025
Czech President Meets Dalai Lama, Draws Criticism from China
The Czech Republic's President, Petr Pavel, met with the Dalai Lama in India and backed his Middle Way approach for Tibet.
Pavel supports the Dalai Lama's desire for Tibetans to have freedom of religion, expression, and language.
This visit, considered significant support for Tibet, drew a critical response from China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist.
Czech President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama in Leh, India.
Pavel voiced support for the Dalai Lama's Middle Way approach, seeking religious and cultural freedom for Tibetans.
The meeting was described as an 'honor' by Pavel, who noted the Dalai Lama's eleven visits to the Czech Republic.
The visit included a cultural program at the Sonamling Tibetan Settlement.
China expressed strong disapproval of Pavel's meeting, emphasizing Tibet as an integral part of China.
- Who
- Czech President Petr Pavel and the Dalai Lama
- What
- Czech President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama and expressed support for the Middle Way approach.
- When
- Sunday, July 27
- Where
- Leh, India
- Why
- To show support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan cultural and religious freedom.
China's Position
Czech Republic's Position
Tibet's status
China's Position
Tibet has been an integral part of Chinese territory since ancient times.
Czech Republic's Position
Support for Tibetan rights and culture.
Dalai Lama's Role
China's Position
The Dalai Lama is a political exile.
Czech Republic's Position
Support for the Dalai Lama as a spiritual leader.
- Meeting Attendees
- Czech President Petr Pavel, Dalai Lama
- Meeting Location
- Leh, India
- Key Message
- Support for Middle Way Approach and Tibetan rights
- Chinese Reaction
- Strong disapproval and warning of negative impacts
- Significant aspect
- A head of state's visit to a Tibetan settlement
Sources
Czech President meets Dalai Lama in Leh, voices support for Tibetan autonomy
Czech Republic president meets Dalai Lama in Ladakh
China opposes Czech president’s visit to Dalai Lama
China opposes Czech president’s visit to Dalai Lama
Czech President voices strong support for Dalai Lama’s ‘Middle Way’ approach
