The Chinese embassy in Prague criticized a visit by former Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen, who met with Czech officials and spoke at a democracy and human rights conference. Despite no formal ties with Taiwan,

China's embassy in Prague criticised on Tuesday a visit by former Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen to the Czech capital, where she met senior officials and spoke at a conference on democracy and human rights.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen won't be visiting the U.K. during her ongoing trip to Europe after the foreign office asked Parliament to hold off on an invitation to avoid upsetting China.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen is headed to Europe in her first overseas trip since leaving office. She’s going first to the Czech Republic and then to Brussels to meet with members of the European Parliament.

The foreign trip is Tsai’s first since leaving office in May of this year. Tsai did not respond to questions from reporters nor accept interviews while transiting through the airport. Tsai only offered a smile and a wave to the local media assembled at the airport, per CNA.

Analysts say Tsai’s trip signals a continuation of Taiwan’s efforts to deepen ties with Central and Eastern European countries