BEIJING – Beijing has confirmed that a Czech citizen detained in the territory of the People's Republic of China is being investigated for suspected endangerment of state security. This information was released by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which stated that relevant authorities are proceeding in accordance with applicable laws. At the same time, Chinese diplomacy accused Czech officials of unjustified detention of a Chinese journalist and called on Prague to immediately release him. The case has thus taken on the dimensions of a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
The Chinese side emphasized that the investigation into the Czech citizen is being conducted in accordance with Chinese legislation and that the legal rights of the detainee are respected. However, Beijing did not disclose further details about the case, citing the ongoing investigation. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously confirmed that it is maintaining contact with the detained citizen through the Czech Embassy in Beijing. The office stated that it is providing standard consular assistance but will not release more detailed information due to respect for personal data protection and the sensitivity of the case.
According to reports published by Seznam Zprávy, this concerns a Czech businessman who was detained at an airport in late June by Chinese security agencies. Since then, he has been held in custody. Deník N stated that it knows the identity of the detainee and that the man previously collaborated with the arms group CSG owned by entrepreneur Michal Strnada. In China, he also represented Eldis, a company belonging to the CSG group that produces radar systems.
Beijing simultaneously drew attention to the case of a Chinese journalist detained in the Czech Republic. According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Czech authorities are acting on unsubstantiated accusations and should immediately release the journalist. Czech officials have not publicly responded in detail to these claims.
The entire affair comes at a time of heightened tension between relations between the Czech Republic and China. The two countries have repeatedly diverged over recent years regarding security, human rights, and trade cooperation issues. Current cases involving the detention of citizens on both sides may further complicate diplomatic communication and affect future bilateral relations, according to analysts.
The development of the case will now be monitored by diplomats from both countries. It is expected that consultations will continue through foreign ministries and mission offices, with further information being released only as the investigation and diplomatic negotiations progress.
gnews.cz - GH