Xi welcomed with defaced flags

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in the Czech Republic for a visit designed to boost economic and political ties. His arrival in the central European country reflects the more pragmatic and business-­orientated approach taken by the Czech government of late, in contrast to that under former President, Vaclav Havel, when the country was a champion of human rights.
The visit was warmly welcomed by the current Czech President, Milos Zeman, who has signified an increased willingness to entertain China and Chinese business interests since he was elected in 2013.
However not everyone was equally warm in their welcome for the leader of the world’s second largest economy. Protestors gathered in the former communist nation with critics comparing it to the welcomes extended to leaders of the Soviet Union in the 20th century.
Dozens of Chinese flags near the airport and near Prague’s Castle were spoiled with black paint slapped across them ahead of the visit. Protestors further plan to hang a giant photo of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, alongside one of Vaclav Havel.
Rights groups in the Czech Republic have repeatedly accused China of suppressing Tibetan culture, while China maintains that the semi-autonomous region’s economy has prospered under CCP rule.
Xinhua, in its coverage, made no mention of the defaced Chinese flags, saying only that “officials and experts from both countries believe that China-Czech relations have been ushered into ‘the best time in history’.”
Meanwhile Hong Kong newscasts broadcasted on Guangdong television had their coverage of the story cut short and replaced by adverts, according to a witness.
Previous visits to European capitals by Xi Jinping have drawn similar condemnation from the masses in contrast to their governments who have eagerly embraced them.
Large protests gathered in opposition to Xi’s visit to London last year, which saw a convergence of Free Tibet activists, members of China’s Uighur minority, Hong Kong protest leaders and Falun Gong practitioners.
Similar protests took place in France in 2014 in Paris and Lyon where demonstrators denounced Beijing’s stance on Tibet, Taiwan and its human rights record.
Xi’s three-day visit to the Czech Republic this week will see the Chinese President meet with leaders of the central European country, sign business deals and according to the Associated Press, potentially sign an agreement on a strategic partnership.
Prague will be the only visit in Europe for Xi, who is on his way to the United States for a nuclear security summit. Daniel Beitler