China and Czech Republic Sign Joint Communiqué During Zeman Visit

In December 1999, Czech Prime Minister Miloš Zeman and Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji issued a joint communiqué following Zeman’s official visit to China. The document, echoing standard official CCP discourse, stated that both sides reached a “friendly atmosphere” and committed to “long-term, stable cooperative ties” based on “mutual respect” (相互尊重) and “non-interference in each other’s internal affairs” (互不干涉内政). On media engagement, the two governments expressed a willingness to “further develop cooperation” in the area of journalism (新闻), or news, alongside culture and education — though specific programs were not mentioned. The Czech side reiterated its adherence to the Chinese government’s concept of the “one China” principle (一个中国原则), recognizing Taiwan as an “inalienable part of Chinese territory.”