Chinese angered by Prague's position on Taiwan and Tibet

Czecho-Chinese relations appear to have hit rock bottom, according to Hospodářské noviny, which reports that Prague sent Beijing a diplomatic note complaining about the current state of affairs. The reason was China's decision to put off opening a fifth direct air link to China at the last moment without informing Prague about the decision ahead of time. It may go some way to explaining the refusal of China International Group Corporation to refuse to agree to a desperately needed capital increase for SmartWings, throwing the largest Czech airline into financial chaos. The diplomatic fracas has even infected plans for the Prague symphony orchestra's plans to tour in China. Those plans have been put on hold for the time being, as has an invitation by the Chinese parliament to Czech deputies who allowed Chinese politicians into their hallowed halls more than a year ago. Prague politicians are allegedly to blame for the current situation, according to HN, as they angered Beijing not only by meeting with representatives of Tibet but also by meeting with ambassadors from Taiwan.