A Czech billionaire purchased 5.3 million koruna (US$235,000) worth of Petrof pianos that were rejected by a Chinese consumer due to fears of Beijing-imposed sanctions following a high-profile Czech delegation visit to Taiwan.

Entrepreneur Karel Komarek, who has an estimated net worth of US$3.8 billion, decided to donate the 11 pianos to schools in his home country, according to Czech news outlet iRozhlas.

The pianos were originally meant for a customer in Beijing, who suddenly canceled the order over fears that the Chinese government might impose sanctions on Czech products, said Petrof CEO Zuzana Ceralova Petrofova.

Orders from China account for 35% of the Czech piano manufacturer’s revenue, the company said.

After hearing about the canceled order, Komarek purchased the pianos through his family foundation, adding that he and his wife wished to use the instruments as “a symbol of Czech pride and cohesion.”

Petrofova praised Komarek’s generosity and his foundation’s efficiency. She said she was happy that the pianos would be given to local schools.

Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil recently led a 90-member delegation to Taiwan for a six-day visit with top officials, including Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Beijing has been vocal in its criticisms of Vystrcil’s delegation. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Senate speaker would pay a “heavy price” for visiting Taiwan.

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