Beijing denies any misconduct by its diplomats and accuses the Czech Republic of interfering in its internal affairs by allowing Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to visit.
Allegations of intimidation in Prague
Taiwan’s Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, said she will not be intimidated by China. Czech military intelligence accused Chinese diplomats and secret services of following her and planning to intimidate her during her visit to Prague last year.
Ms Hsiao visited the Czech Republic in early 2024. Although Prague does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it has built warm relations with the island, which China considers part of its territory.
Last year, Czech media reported that a Chinese diplomat ran a red light while following Ms Hsiao’s car. On Thursday, Czech public radio website irozhlas.cz revealed that Chinese agents planned a deliberate car crash as a form of intimidation.
In a social media post on Saturday, Ms Hsiao thanked Czech authorities for their hospitality and ensuring her safety. She added that the Chinese Communist Party’s unlawful actions would not stop her from advocating Taiwan’s interests internationally.
Later, she expressed gratitude on X (formerly Twitter) to global parliamentarians who showed support against “violence and coercion”. She emphasised, “Taiwan will not be isolated by intimidation.”
Details from Czech military intelligence
Jan Pejsek, a spokesperson for Czech military intelligence, told Reuters that Chinese diplomats broke diplomatic rules. “They followed the vice president, collected information on her schedule, and tried to record her meetings with important Czech political and public figures,” he said.
Pejsek added, “We also recorded an attempt by the Chinese civil secret service to create conditions for a public physical incident targeting a protected person. However, this plan did not go beyond the preparation stage.”
China’s foreign ministry rejected these claims. It accused the Czech Republic of interfering by allowing Ms Hsiao’s visit to proceed.
The Czech foreign ministry confirmed it had summoned the Chinese ambassador over the matter but declined further comment on Friday.
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee commented on X, saying, “This is the CCP’s wrongdoing on full display. This is not diplomacy; it is coercion.”
Taiwan’s response and international concerns
Taiwan condemned the reported actions. The Mainland Affairs Council called them a serious threat to Ms Hsiao’s personal safety and that of her team. It demanded a public explanation and apology from China.
A senior Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, described the incident as part of China’s “transnational repression.” The official said the European Union was closely monitoring the situation.
“This is an issue that requires global attention,” the official added. They noted that many government officials worldwide face pressure from China when Taiwanese politicians visit their countries.
In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said, “Chinese diplomats always abide by the laws of their host countries.” He urged parties “not to be provoked or used by separatist forces seeking Taiwan independence.”
Context and recent developments
Ms Hsiao took office alongside President Lai Ching-te on 20 May last year.
Relations between the Czech Republic and China have deteriorated recently. In May, Prague accused Beijing of launching a cyberattack on its foreign ministry.
Several Czech politicians have visited Taiwan. Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also visited Prague in October last year.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased military and political pressure in recent years. Taiwan insists that only its people can decide their future and remains committed to defending its democracy and freedom.
