Latest news with #CzechRadio
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
China's secret Taiwan plan exposed: Czech intel report says Beijing plotted car crash to scare Taipei's VP-elect
Czech intelligence officials revealed that Chinese agents operating out of the Beijing embassy in Prague planned a staged car crash targeting Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim during her visit to Prague last year read more Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, left and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, right, wave after his inaugural speech after being sworn into office at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei , Taiwan, on May 20, 2024. AFP Amid the brewing tensions between China and Taiwan , Czech authorities revealed that Chinese agents operating out of the Beijing embassy in Prague planned a staged car crash targeting Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. The Czech Republic's military intelligence chief called it a plot to intimidate Taiwan's vice president during her visit to Prague last year. The intelligence chief went on to call the revelation 'unprecedented' by China in Europe . Citing Czech military intelligence, the country's public broadcaster, Czech Radio, reported that Chinese agents plotted a 'demonstrative kinetic action' targeting Hsiao during her March 2024 visit to Prague. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was the Taiwanese Vice President's first visit abroad since her and President Lai Ching-te's election victory . Agency Director Petr Bartovský told Czech Radio that the Chinese plan involved staging a collision with the car carrying Hsiao. Bartovský made it clear that the attempt 'did not go beyond the planning stage.' A red light that led to the revelation The intelligence report noted that the Chinese diplomat ran a red light in central Prague while trying to maintain surveillance over the Taiwanese delegation. Military intelligence spokesperson Jan Pejšek emphasised that China's actions were almost endangering Hsiao and her team . She noted that the Chinese officials had been 'gathering information about her schedule and attempting to document her meetings with prominent figures from the Czech political and public spheres. The officials concluded that the vice president was not considered to be in real danger; however, Czech security forces were present and ready to intervene if necessary. Emphasising the sensitivity of the information, Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mariana Wernerová declined to provide more details on the matter. However, she confirmed that the Czech authorities had communicated their concerns to Beijing about the events. Taiwan reacts Meanwhile, Taiwan's Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned China's plot and thanked the Czech authorities. Kuo said that Taiwanese security was aware of the intelligence at the time, Focus Taiwan reported. Kuang-ting Chen, a lawmaker in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to condemn China's action. 'Hiding behind diplomatic immunity to interfere with another nation's sovereignty and endanger personal safety is a flagrant violation of international law. This incident once again exposes Beijing's export of authoritarianism and pattern of transnational repression,' China wrote on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a Taiwanese parliamentarian, I condemn in the strongest possible terms the egregious conduct of the Chinese diplomat in Prague who tailed, surveilled, and even attempted to ram the vehicle carrying then Vice President–elect Hsiao Bi-khim. Hiding behind diplomatic immunity to… — 🇹🇼陳冠廷 Kuan-Ting Chen (@kuantingvision) June 26, 2025 It is pertinent to note that China claims Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China, as its territory. However, the island has never been governed by the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan functions as a de facto sovereign state, with its legal system, military and international relations. China has often pressured other nations not to engage with the Taiwanese delegation. In 2022, China temporarily blocked trade with Lithuania after the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a representative office using the name 'Taiwan.' China argued that recognising Taiwan challenges its 'One China' policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Czech Intelligence Reveals China Plan to Crash Into Taiwan Vice President-Elect
Chinese agents operating out of Beijing's embassy in Prague planned to stage a car collision targeting Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to the Czech capital last year, according to an explosive report. The Czech Republic's military intelligence chief condemned the plot to intimidate Hsiao, which was ultimately not carried out, describing it as "unprecedented" by China in Europe. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Prague via emailed request for comment. China claims Taiwan—formally known as the Republic of China—as its territory, though the island has never been governed by the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan functions as a de facto sovereign state, with its own legal system, military and international relations. China has frequently pressured other countries not to engage with Taiwanese officials. In 2022, China temporarily blocked trade with Lithuania after the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a representative office using the name "Taiwan," a move Beijing viewed as a challenge to its "One China" policy. Chinese agents plotted a "demonstrative kinetic action" targeting Hsiao during her March 2024 visit to Prague, her first trip abroad since she and President Lai Ching-te's election victory, according to Czech military intelligence cited by public broadcaster Czech Radio. Agency director Petr Bartovský told Czech Radio that the plan involved staging a collision with the car carrying Hsiao, though he confirmed the attempt "did not go beyond the planning stage." However, a Chinese diplomat ran a red light in central Prague while trying to maintain surveillance of the Taiwanese delegation. Military intelligence spokesperson Jan Pejšek said China's actions were bordering on endangering Hsiao and that Chinese officials had been "gathering information about her schedule, and attempting to document her meetings with prominent figures from the Czech political and public spheres." The vice president was not considered to be in real danger, however, as Czech security forces were present and ready to intervene if necessary, per the report. Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mariana Wernerová declined to provide details, citing the sensitivity of the case, but confirmed the ministry had communicated with Beijing about the events. Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned China's actions, thanked Czech authorities and said Taiwanese security was aware of the intelligence at the time, Focus Taiwan reported. Jan Pejšek, spokesperson for the Czech Military Intelligence Service, told Czech Radio: "These activities, which flagrantly violate the obligations arising from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, were carried out, among other things, by persons legalized in diplomatic positions at the Chinese Embassy in Prague." Kuang-ting Chen, a lawmaker in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Hiding behind diplomatic immunity to interfere with another nation's sovereignty and endanger personal safety is a flagrant violation of international law. This incident once again exposes Beijing's export of authoritarianism and pattern of transnational repression." The intelligence report is likely to boost pro-Taiwan sentiment in Prague, already strong in light of Chinese pressure campaigns in recent years. Asked to comment on the report Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the Czech Republic had seriously violated the One China Principle by allowing "Taiwan independence hardliners" such as Hsiao to visit. "I want to emphasize that Chinese diplomatic personnel have always adhered to the laws and regulations of the host country. China urges the relevant parties not to be provoked or manipulated by Taiwan independence separatist forces, and not to create unnecessary trouble or malicious hype that undermines bilateral relations," he added. President Lai's Beijing-skeptic administration is expected to continue sending Taiwanese delegations overseas to shore up ties with friendly countries. Related Articles China Issues Update After Trump Reveals Trade DealChina Sends Stark Warning to US AllyChinese Satellite Image Shows Destruction of Iran Drone FactoryChina to Hegseth: US on Path to 'Fire and Suffering' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Czech Intelligence Reveals China Plan to Crash Into Taiwan Vice President-Elect
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Chinese agents operating out of Beijing's embassy in Prague planned to stage a car collision targeting Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to the Czech capital last year, according to an explosive report. The Czech Republic's military intelligence chief condemned the plot to intimidate Hsiao, which was ultimately not carried out, describing it as "unprecedented" by China in Europe. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese embassy in Prague via emailed request for comment. Why It Matters China claims Taiwan—formally known as the Republic of China—as its territory, though the island has never been governed by the Chinese Communist Party. Taiwan functions as a de facto sovereign state, with its own legal system, military and international relations. China has frequently pressured other countries not to engage with Taiwanese officials. In 2022, China temporarily blocked trade with Lithuania after the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a representative office using the name "Taiwan," a move Beijing viewed as a challenge to its "One China" policy. What To Know Chinese agents plotted a "demonstrative kinetic action" targeting Hsiao during her March 2024 visit to Prague, her first trip abroad since she and President Lai Ching-te's election victory, according to Czech military intelligence cited by public broadcaster Czech Radio. Agency director Petr Bartovský told Czech Radio that the plan involved staging a collision with the car carrying Hsiao, though he confirmed the attempt "did not go beyond the planning stage." However, a Chinese diplomat ran a red light in central Prague while trying to maintain surveillance of the Taiwanese delegation. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, left and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, right, wave after his inaugural speech after being sworn into office at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei , Taiwan, on May 20, 2024. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, left and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, right, wave after his inaugural speech after being sworn into office at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei , Taiwan, on May 20, 2024. Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images Military intelligence spokesperson Jan Pejšek said China's actions were bordering on endangering Hsiao and that Chinese officials had been "gathering information about her schedule, and attempting to document her meetings with prominent figures from the Czech political and public spheres." The vice president was not considered to be in real danger, however, as Czech security forces were present and ready to intervene if necessary, per the report. Czech Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mariana Wernerová declined to provide details, citing the sensitivity of the case, but confirmed the ministry had communicated with Beijing about the events. Taiwan Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned China's actions, thanked Czech authorities and said Taiwanese security was aware of the intelligence at the time, Focus Taiwan reported. What People Are Saying Jan Pejšek, spokesperson for the Czech Military Intelligence Service, told Czech Radio: "These activities, which flagrantly violate the obligations arising from the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, were carried out, among other things, by persons legalized in diplomatic positions at the Chinese Embassy in Prague." Kuang-ting Chen, a lawmaker in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Hiding behind diplomatic immunity to interfere with another nation's sovereignty and endanger personal safety is a flagrant violation of international law. This incident once again exposes Beijing's export of authoritarianism and pattern of transnational repression." What's Next The intelligence report is likely to boost pro-Taiwan sentiment in Prague, already strong in light of Chinese pressure campaigns in recent years. Asked to comment on the report Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the Czech Republic had seriously violated the One China Principle by allowing "Taiwan independence hardliners" such as Hsiao to visit. "I want to emphasize that Chinese diplomatic personnel have always adhered to the laws and regulations of the host country. China urges the relevant parties not to be provoked or manipulated by Taiwan independence separatist forces, and not to create unnecessary trouble or malicious hype that undermines bilateral relations," he added. President Lai's Beijing-skeptic administration is expected to continue sending Taiwanese delegations overseas to shore up ties with friendly countries.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hikers Discover Hidden Treasure That May Be Worth More Than $300,000
The next time you go for a walk, you may be tempted to look for buried gold. A hike in the Czech Republic turned into an accidental treasure hunt for two men who stumbled upon a buried trove of riches. In February, two men were trekking through the foothills of the Krkonoše Mountains, located near the Polish border in the northern region of the Czech Republic, when they discovered a canister filled with hundreds of shiny gold coins. Nearby, an iron box was found with more treasures, including cigarette cases, bracelets, a comb, and a chain with a key. The men handed over the findings to the Museum of East Bohemia, where archaeologists are now analyzing the discoveries, according to an April 25 Facebook post. Together, the items weigh more than 15 pounds and could be worth as much as $340,000. Under Czech law, the hikers may receive up to 10 percent of the treasure's value as a reward, TVP World reports. Related: 14 Valuable Collectibles to Look for in Thrift Stores The can contained 598 coins neatly arranged into 11 columns and wrapped in black cloth, weighing more than 8 pounds. The coins were stamped with dates ranging from 1808 to 1915. Some coins also bear countermarks, indicating that they were reissued in 1921 in an area of Yugoslavia most likely encompassing modern-day Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Artnet. The coins originated from various countries such as France, Turkey, Belgium, Romania, Italy, and Russia. The reason the treasure was buried is unknown. Miroslav Novák, head of the archaeological department of the Museum of Eastern Bohemia, told Czech Radio that it's possible the treasure belonged to one of the thousands of Czech or Jewish people who fled during World War II to escape persecution. He notes that it could also be linked to "monetary reform," referring to the monetary reform forced upon Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union in 1953. While it remains unclear who hid the stash and why it was never retrieved, experts believe it was hidden because the coins are gold. "It was clearly not about the nominal value of the coins. It's not about what the coins could buy—that's not what mattered. It was deliberately hidden because it was precious metal," the Museum of Eastern Bohemia's coin expert, Vojtěch Brádle, told Czech Radio. Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Miami Herald
05-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Thousands of animal bones — and 13 mammoths — found at prehistoric hunting camp
From the duck blind to the tree stand, modern hunting has become just as much about the experience as the end result. But when hunting was the only means of survival, picking up a spear and leaving your settlement was a matter of life and death. Now, archaeologists in Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, have discovered a hunting camp from 20,000 years ago — and the animals that hunters took down. While working on preventative archaeological research at the construction site for the future Judicial Palace, researchers started to uncover animal bones, The Institute of Archaeological Monument Care in Northwestern Bohemia announced in a Jan. 31 Facebook post. As they dug around, they kept finding more and more, until thousands of animal bones sat before them in the dirt, according to the outlet. Researchers dated the bones and found that they were from the Pleistocene period, around 20,000 years ago, Czech Radio reported on Jan. 31. More photos were shared by the Regional museum in Ústí nad Labem in a Jan. 31 Facebook post. The bones belonged to dozens of hunted species, the institute said, including woolly mammoths. The skeletons of at least 13 mammoths were discovered at the site, dating to a period researchers consider the 'peak' age of mammoth hunting, according to the post. 'This was a mammoth hunters' campsite, where animals were processed,' lead researcher Petr Lissek told Czech Radio. 'We found evidence of bone chipping and breaking, as prehistoric people used every part — meat, fat, and bones.' Along with the bones, archaeologists found chipped stone instruments that helped date the site, the institute said. Hunting a woolly mammoth may have had a high reward, but ancient people in central Europe likely went after other animals first. 'If we could see the animals they hunted, we might be surprised. From a strategic standpoint, they primarily focused on younger animals that had strayed from the herd, as they were easier to catch,' Lissek told Czech Radio. 'They also hunted older individuals that were slower and more vulnerable.' Other animals found at the site include deer and a woolly rhino, according to the outlet. Woolly mammoths were larger than modern-day African elephants, according to Czech Radio, but lived during the Ice Ages so were covered in thick fur. They lived from around 2.6 million years ago until 4,000 years ago but really thrived during the Pleistocene era, according to Britannica. They grew to between 10 and 12 feet tall and weighed between 6 to 8 tons, with a 3-inch-thick layer of fat under thick skin. Woolly mammoths lived throughout Eurasia and North America, and the last populations were found near the Bering Sea, Alaska and Russia. The hunting camp was found in Ústí nad Labem in northern Czechia near the border of eastern Germany. Facebook Translate was used to translate the Facebook post from the Institute of Archaeological Monument Care in Northwestern Bohemia.
