Czech Defence Minister Zůna plans trip to China amid criticism

Czech Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna is planning a working trip to China in mid-September to attend the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a major international security and defense conference. The trip has drawn criticism from parliamentary officials due to scheduling conflicts.

Josef Flek, chairman of the parliamentary defense committee, noted that the trip overlaps with a scheduled committee meeting on September 15. This meeting, which was already postponed once due to the minister's previous absence, is intended to discuss the ministry's budget, planned expenditures, and army modernization. Flek expressed dissatisfaction, noting that coalition members are also unhappy with the timing.

While Tomio Okamura, chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, highlighted the importance of the forum, the Ministry of Defence has not yet officially confirmed the trip, stating that the minister's September schedule is still being finalized. Additionally, the trip does not currently appear on the official government flight schedule.