Taiwan Vice‑President Hsiao Bi‑khim Refuses Intimidation Amid China Plot Allegations in Prague
TAIPEI/PRAGUE — Taiwan’s Vice‑President Hsiao Bi‑khim has spoken out, saying she will not be intimidated, following revelations from Czech intelligence about a planned car collision potentially orchestrated by Chinese diplomats during her March 2024 visit to Prague.
Background: Diplomatic Escort Disrupted
Hsiao, who visited Prague in March 2024 alongside President Lai Ching‑te—marking their first overseas trip after the January election—was escorted by Czech police from the airport. Initial media coverage noted a Chinese diplomat had allegedly run a red light while tailing her motorcade. But new information reveals far more disturbing intentions.
Czech Intel Reveals Escalatory Plan
Czech military intelligence chief Petr Bartovský told national broadcaster Irozhlas that embassy-linked Chinese intelligence officers had planned a “demonstrative kinetic action”—specifically citing a car collision with Hsiao’s vehicle—as part of a broader intimidation effort.
Spokesperson Jan Pejšek elaborated: Chinese operatives planned to “demonstratively confront Ms Hsiao,” preparing the incident but not executing it. These acts, he stated, flagrantly violated diplomatic norms established by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Hsiao’s Defiant Response
On Saturday, Hsiao’s social media statement read:
“The CCP’s unlawful activities will not intimidate me from voicing Taiwan’s interests in the international community.”
She also thanked the Czech authorities for their protection and swift response during the incident.
Taiwan’s Government Demands Accountability
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council formally condemned the plot as a serious threat to the Vice‑President’s safety, calling for a public apology and transparent accounting from Beijing.
China Denies Wrongdoing and Retaliates
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun dismissed the allegations, stating China’s diplomats “always observe the laws and regulations of host countries.” He accused Prague of encroaching on China’s internal affairs by allowing Hsiao’s visit, labeling her a “die‑hard Taiwan independence separatist.” China has previously threatened extreme penalties for such figures.
Wider Implications for Taiwan–China Relations
This revelation is the latest in a series of intensifying cross‑strait tensions. Taiwan’s high‑level delegations are increasingly receiving diplomatic pushback and interference. The alleged plot underscores a shift from verbal warnings to covert physical intimidation, heightening concerns about direct threats to Taiwanese officials abroad.
What Happens Next
The Czech government is now expected to directly engage China over these accusations, potentially prompting diplomatic protests or expulsions in line with recent actions against Russian operatives. Taiwan’s foreign ministry has called on democratic nations to issue collective condemnation.
Tags: Taiwan vice‑president Prague car collision plot, Czech intelligence China plotting attack Taiwan VP, Hsiao Bi‑khim Prague 2024 incident, Chinese embassy Prague intimidation, Czech military intelligence CCP diplomatic scandal
