```html

TAIPEI/PRAGUE – The Chairman of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Miloš Vystrčil, during his visit to Taiwan, once again emphasized the importance of cooperation between democratic countries, resilience, and security. However, his speech at National Chengchi University also reopened the discussion about whether such actions align with the long-term economic and diplomatic interests of the Czech Republic.

“It is a common task for democratic and free countries to cooperate. To strengthen our mutual protection and support our security together. To cooperate and increase our competitiveness. To increase our resilience and strategic independence. I am convinced that resilience and security are more important than immediate gains or the lowest possible price.” said Vystrčil.

According to supporters of a pragmatic foreign policy, the Czech Republic is exposing itself to the risk of worsening relations with the world's second-largest economy, without any corresponding economic benefits. They also point out that the traditional policy of "one China" has been a part of Czech foreign policy for decades and has been the foundation of diplomatic relations between Prague and Beijing.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš strongly criticized the trip before the delegation's departure and refused to provide a government plane for the Chairman of the Senate. According to the Prime Minister, the Czech Republic should primarily pursue a pragmatic foreign policy based on economic interests. “We will not engage in value-based politics that has essentially achieved nothing, but has only harmed our companies,” said Andrej Babiš. At the same time, he stated that, in his opinion, Miloš Vystrčil's previous activities have contributed to a deterioration in trade relations with China and have had a negative impact on Czech entrepreneurs.

Some government officials went even further, arguing that such visits may be in conflict with the economic interests of the Czech Republic. In connection with the refusal of the government plane, there were also statements that Vystrčil's actions are damaging trade relations with the world's second-largest economy.

gnews.cz - GH

```