Chinese officials objected to its display at a booth run by Czech publisher Mi:Lu Publishing. The booth promotes Taiwanese literature and proudly features the Taiwanese national flag.
This marks Mi:Lu Publishing’s fourth year at the international book fair. Chinese publishers returned to the event this year after a four-year break. That earlier absence followed appearances by several Chinese dissident writers living in exile.
This year, however, the spotlight fell on a familiar issue: freedom of expression. Chinese representatives once again pushed for organizers to refer to Taiwan as a “region” instead of a “country.” They also protested the inclusion of Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture in official fair materials.
Fair director Radovan Auer rejected the request. He stated clearly that the Czech Republic remains a democratic country. Therefore, fair organizers will not ask any exhibitor to remove content unless it violates Czech law.
Auer confirmed that Chinese officials demanded the removal of Taiwan’s flag. They also objected to the fair’s printed catalog. The catalog acknowledged Taiwan’s cultural contributions. In response, Chinese representatives asked for the catalog’s removal from circulation.
However, Auer refused. He stressed the importance of freedom of expression and the fair’s mission to uphold democratic values. In a surprising turn, he revealed that Chinese officials even contacted the Czech Ministry of Culture. They asked the ministry to replace him with someone more favorable to Beijing.
Despite the pressure, the ministry refused to intervene. Auer emphasized that the book fair operates independently. He also stated that he does not feel threatened by China’s demands. Instead, he sees them as part of an ongoing trend of political interference.
Book World Prague attracts more than 400 exhibitors from over 30 countries. It is the largest literary event in the Czech Republic. The fair features a special section on free speech and presents a freedom of expression award each year.
In the end, the dispute over Taiwan’s flag underscored a deeper issue. The conflict reflected a growing global debate over cultural autonomy, international diplomacy, and, above all, freedom of expression.
