Fact Check: "China plotted car collision against Taiwan's vice-president in Prague."
What We Know
Recent reports from Czech intelligence indicate that during Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to Prague in March 2024, Chinese diplomats allegedly planned to stage a car collision as part of a broader intimidation strategy against her. This incident was highlighted by Czech military intelligence, which stated that the plan involved a "demonstrative kinetic action" targeting Hsiao, although it did not progress beyond the planning stage (The Guardian, Newsweek).
During her visit, a Chinese diplomat reportedly ran a red light while following Hsiao's vehicle, which was under police escort. This action was interpreted as part of the intimidation efforts by Chinese officials (Reuters, Newsweek). Czech intelligence officials confirmed that these activities were conducted by individuals with diplomatic status at the Chinese embassy in Prague, which they described as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (The Guardian, Newsweek).
Analysis
The claim that China plotted a car collision against Taiwan's vice-president is supported by credible sources, including Czech military intelligence and various news outlets. The reports indicate that the plan was not merely speculative; it involved concrete actions, such as the aforementioned traffic violation by a Chinese diplomat. The Czech military intelligence chief condemned the plot as "unprecedented" and indicative of China's aggressive tactics in Europe (Newsweek).
The credibility of the sources reporting this incident is high. Both The Guardian and Newsweek are reputable news organizations known for their investigative journalism. Additionally, the information was corroborated by Czech intelligence officials, lending further weight to the claims. However, it is important to note that the Chinese government has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their diplomats adhere to local laws and accusing the Czech government of interfering in China's internal affairs (The Guardian).
While the Chinese government's denial should be considered, it is often viewed through the lens of geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as China's broader strategy of suppressing Taiwanese sovereignty. The context of the situation—Taiwan's ongoing struggle for international recognition and China's aggressive stance—adds layers of complexity to the interpretation of these events.
Conclusion
The claim that China plotted a car collision against Taiwan's vice-president in Prague is True. The evidence provided by Czech intelligence, along with corroborating reports from reputable news sources, supports the assertion that there was a planned intimidation effort involving a staged car collision. The incident reflects ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan and highlights the lengths to which Chinese officials may go to intimidate Taiwanese representatives abroad.
