Taiwan’s vice-president, Hsiao Bi-khim, has vowed not to be intimidated following revelations that Chinese officials allegedly planned to stage a car collision during her visit to Prague last year. The visit, which took place in March 2024, was the first overseas trip by Hsiao and Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, since their election win in January. Reports at the time indicated a Chinese diplomat had run a red light while following her police-escorted convoy from the airport.
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Czech intelligence officials recently disclosed that the incident was part of a broader and escalatory scheme by Chinese diplomats and intelligence officers stationed at the Chinese embassy in Prague. According to the Czech military intelligence service, the plan included an attempted “demonstrative kinetic action” against Hsiao, understood to be a deliberate car collision, though it never progressed beyond the preparation phase. Czech authorities have been thanked by Hsiao for ensuring her safety during the visit, with the vice-president emphasising that such unlawful acts would not deter her from advocating Taiwan’s interests internationally.
The Chinese embassy has strongly denied the allegations, with a foreign ministry spokesperson accusing the Czech government of interfering in China’s internal affairs by permitting Hsiao’s visit. China labelled Hsiao a “diehard Taiwan independence separatist” and warned against any attempts to legitimise Taiwan’s democratically elected government. Meanwhile, the Czech foreign ministry confirmed that the Chinese ambassador was summoned over the incident, though no further comments were made.
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This incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s status, with Beijing insisting on annexation under the claim that Taiwan is a renegade Chinese province. The matter continues to strain international relations, as democratic nations grapple with the challenge of recognising Taiwan without provoking Beijing’s ire. Journalistic integrity and protection of sources remain crucial in reporting on such sensitive geopolitical issues.
