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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.
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Czech intel: China plotted to intimidate Taiwan VP-elect
PRAGUE: Chinese diplomats and secret service followed Taiwan's Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and planned to intimidate her physically when she visited Prague last year, Czech military intelligence said on Friday. Hsiao visited the Czech Republic in March 2024. Prague does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has fostered warm relations with the democratically-governed island, which China views as its own territory. Czech media reported last year that a Chinese diplomat had run a red light when following her car. Czech public radio news website said on Thursday that the Chinese had also planned to stage a demonstrative car crash. Czech Military Intelligence spokesman said Chinese diplomats in Prague had taken actions that violated diplomatic rules. 'This consisted of physically following the vice-president, gathering information on her schedule and attempts to document her meetings with important representatives of the Czech political and public scene,' spokesman Jan Pejsek said in emailed comments to Reuters. 'We even recorded an attempt by the Chinese civil secret service to create conditions to perform a demonstrative kinetic action against a protected person, which however did not go beyond the phase of preparation.' A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, commenting on the matter, denied any wrongdoing by Chinese diplomats and also said the Czech Republic had interfered in China's internal affairs by allowing Hsiao's visit to go ahead. The Czech Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Chinese ambassador over the incident at the time but did not comment further on Friday. TAIWAN PROTESTS Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said the Chinese actions 'seriously threatened the personal safety of Vice President Hsiao and her entourage'. 'The Mainland Affairs Council today protested and strongly condemned the Chinese communist's bad behaviour and demanded that the Chinese side should immediately explain and publicly apologise,' it said. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: 'Chinese diplomats have always abided by the laws and regulations of the countries in which they are stationed.' 'China urges the parties concerned not to be provoked and exploited by separatist forces for Taiwan independence, and to not make a fuss over nothing, engage in malicious speculation, and interfere with and undermine the relations between the two countries.' Hsiao assumed office, along with President Lai Ching-te, on May 20 last year. Czech relations with China have cooled in recent years. The Czechs accused China in May of being behind a cyberattack on the foreign ministry. Czech politicians have visited Taiwan and former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited Prague last October.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Czechs say China followed, planned intimidation of Taiwan vice-president
PRAGUE - Chinese diplomats and secret service followed Taiwan's Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim and planned to intimidate her physically when she visited Prague last year, Czech military intelligence said on Friday. Hsiao visited the Czech Republic in March 2024. Prague does not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan but has fostered warm relations with the democratically-governed island, which China views as its own territory. Czech media reported last year that a Chinese diplomat had run a red light when following her car. Czech public radio news website said on Thursday that the Chinese had also planned to stage a demonstrative car crash. Czech Military Intelligence spokesman said Chinese diplomats in Prague had taken actions that violated diplomatic rules. "This consisted of physically following the vice-president, gathering information on her schedule and attempts to document her meetings with important representatives of the Czech political and public scene," spokesman Jan Pejsek said in emailed comments to Reuters. "We even recorded an attempt by the Chinese civil secret service to create conditions to perform a demonstrative kinetic action against a protected person, which however did not go beyond the phase of preparation." A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, commenting on the matter, denied any wrongdoing by Chinese diplomats and also said the Czech Republic had interfered in China's internal affairs by allowing Hsiao's visit to go ahead. The Czech Foreign Ministry said it had summoned the Chinese ambassador over the incident at the time but did not comment further on Friday. TAIWAN PROTESTS Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said the Chinese actions "seriously threatened the personal safety of Vice President Hsiao and her entourage". "The Mainland Affairs Council today protested and strongly condemned the Chinese communist's bad behaviour and demanded that the Chinese side should immediately explain and publicly apologise," it said. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said: "Chinese diplomats have always abided by the laws and regulations of the countries in which they are stationed." "China urges the parties concerned not to be provoked and exploited by separatist forces for Taiwan independence, and to not make a fuss over nothing, engage in malicious speculation, and interfere with and undermine the relations between the two countries." Hsiao assumed office, along with President Lai Ching-te, on May 20 last year. Czech relations with China have cooled in recent years. The Czechs accused China in May of being behind a cyberattack on the foreign ministry. Czech politicians have visited Taiwan and former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen visited Prague last October. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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.
