Fact Check: China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president in Prague.

Fact Check: "China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president in Prague."

What We Know

During Taiwan's Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim’s official visit to Prague in March 2024, it was reported that Chinese diplomats and intelligence operatives devised a plan to intimidate her by staging a car collision involving her motorcade. According to Czech military intelligence, preparations for this scheme were underway inside China’s embassy in Prague, including surveillance of Hsiao's convoy and intelligence gathering on her schedule and meetings, which violated diplomatic norms as outlined in the Vienna Convention (Livemint, Newsweek). Local authorities were alerted and took measures to ensure her safety, leading to a heightened security presence during her visit (Indian Express).

Hsiao Bi-khim later expressed her determination not to be intimidated by such threats, emphasizing that the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would not silence Taiwan's voice on the international stage (Livemint). The Taiwanese Mainland Affairs Council condemned the plot as a serious threat to her safety and demanded a public apology from Beijing, which China dismissed as interference in its internal affairs (Firstpost).

Analysis

The claim that China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president is supported by multiple credible sources, including reports from Czech intelligence and various news outlets. The Czech military intelligence confirmed the existence of a plan, although it did not progress beyond the planning stage. This indicates a serious intent to intimidate Hsiao, which aligns with the broader context of rising tensions between China and Taiwan, particularly following Taiwan's recent elections and increased international visibility.

The sources reporting this incident, such as Newsweek and Indian Express, are generally regarded as reliable news organizations. They provide corroborating details about the surveillance activities conducted by Chinese agents and the subsequent reactions from both Taiwanese officials and the Czech government. The Guardian also reported on the incident, further validating the claims made by Czech authorities.

However, it is important to note that the Chinese government has denied these allegations, asserting that their diplomats adhere to the laws of the host country and accusing Prague of interfering in China's internal matters. This response reflects the ongoing diplomatic tensions and the narrative that both sides are attempting to control (Firstpost).

Conclusion

The evidence supports the claim that China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president during her visit to Prague. The involvement of Czech military intelligence and corroborating reports from multiple reputable news sources lend credibility to this assertion. Therefore, the verdict is True.

Fact Check: China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president in Prague.