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China–Czech Republic relations or Sino–Czech relations are international relations between China and the Czech Republic. They were formally established on 6 October 1949 between Czechoslovakia and China. In 1993, the Czech Republic was established and inherited the Czechoslovak treaty. The relations, trade and tourism between the China and the Czech Republic improved rapidly since the 1990s; and in the 2010s, agreements were made for more thorough economic improvements.
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History
People's Republic of China–Czech Republic relations began on 6 October 1949 when the Czech Republic was a federal element of Czechoslovakia. The Czech Republic became an independent country on 1 January 1993, the Chinese government extended diplomatic relations. At the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, government officials from both sides signed and exchanged notes recognizing the treaties and agreements signed between China and the former Czechoslovakia Federal Republic continues to be upheld and binding.
The bilateral relationship sunk to a low in 1995 as the Czech Republic allowed Lien Chan and other Taiwanese government officials to have a state visit in their country. The Czech Republic also openly supported Two-Chinas and Taiwan's re-entry in the United Nations. In early 1996, relationship between the two countries improved as the Czech Republic reaffirmed its One China policy.
On 20 May 2009, China and Czech Republic celebrated sixty years of diplomatic relations. Chinese premier Wen Jiabao met with Czech President Vaclav Klaus and the then Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer for talks on improving bilateral trade, environment protection and build mutual trust.
In October 2014, Czech president Miloš Zeman met Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi expressed he will strive new restart in bilateral relations and Zeman addressed topics on improving business and tourism between the two countries. Zeman also proposed direct flight connection between Prague and Shanghai, and establishing new Czech consulate in Chengdu, Sichuan. Later Zeman also met representatives of Bank of China and Prime Minister Li Keqiang.
President Xi Jinping visits the Czech Republic from March 28 to 30, 2016, at the invitation of president Zeman. It is the first visit by a president of the People's Republic of China to the Czech Republic, demonstrating the improving relations between the two countries. A strategic partnership agreement between the two countries has been signed by the presidents.
Trade
The economic relations between the countries stood at US $340 million in 1993 when the Czech Republic became an independent state. Over the years, the bilateral trade has increased. In 2001, the trade volume between the two countries was US $615 million.
In 2007, bilateral trade between China and the Czech Republic stood at $9.9 billion. This has increased to 61.9 percent year on year basis. In the same year, Chinese exports to the Czech Republic was $9.2 billion in 2007. China's import from the Czech Republic's was $700 million in 2006.