TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chinese representatives have requested the removal of Taiwan’s national flag from a booth operated by Czech publisher Mi:Lu Publishing at the Book World Prague international book fair, according to fair director Radovan Auer.
Mi:Lu Publishing, which specializes in translating and promoting Taiwanese literature, is participating in the event for the fourth time. The booth features Taiwan’s national flag, which drew objections from the Chinese delegation.
This year marks the return of Chinese publishers to the fair for the first time in four years. Their previous absence followed the participation of several Chinese dissident writers living in exile.
Auer told CNA that such political requests are not new. In past years, Chinese representatives have routinely asked organizers to refer to Taiwan as a “region” rather than a “country” in fair materials.
Regarding the request to remove Taiwan’s flag, Auer emphasized that “we are a democratic country” and said organizers would not ask exhibitors to remove materials unless they break Czech law.
He also noted that Chinese officials objected to the printed fair catalog, which mentioned cooperation with Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture. They requested that it be withdrawn from distribution, which the organizers declined.
In a separate instance, Auer said China contacted the Czech Ministry of Culture to request his replacement as fair director with someone more favorable to Beijing. The ministry responded that it does not intervene in privately organized events.
Auer added that he does not feel pressured by the political demands and sees them as part of a broader pattern. “China may not fully understand that the Czech Republic is a democratic country with freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” he said, adding that such values are central to the fair’s mission.
Book World Prague is the largest literary event in the Czech Republic, featuring over 400 exhibitors and participants from more than 30 countries. The fair also presents a freedom of expression award and includes a dedicated section focused on free speech.
