Fact Check: China plotted car collision to target Taiwan's vice-president in Prague.

Fact Check: China Plotted Car Collision to Target Taiwan's Vice-President in Prague

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that during Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to Prague in March 2024, Chinese diplomats and intelligence operatives allegedly devised a plan to intimidate her by staging a car collision involving her motorcade. This information was disclosed by the Czech Republic's military intelligence, which described the plot as "unprecedented" in Europe, highlighting that it did not progress beyond the planning stage (Newsweek, Livemint).

The Czech intelligence report noted that Chinese agents had been surveilling Hsiao's schedule and movements, with one Chinese diplomat reportedly running a red light while following her convoy. Although the plot was not executed, it raised serious concerns regarding the safety of Hsiao and her delegation (Reuters, The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that China plotted a car collision to target Taiwan's Vice President is supported by multiple credible sources, including Czech military intelligence and major news outlets like Newsweek and Reuters. The intelligence report specifically states that the Chinese embassy in Prague was involved in planning a "demonstrative kinetic action" against Hsiao, which underscores the seriousness of the allegation (Newsweek, Czech Radio).

The reliability of the sources is bolstered by the fact that they are established news organizations with a history of reporting on international relations and security issues. Furthermore, the Czech military intelligence's involvement adds an official layer of credibility to the claims. The intelligence chief's condemnation of the plot as a violation of diplomatic norms also lends weight to the assertion that this was not merely a reckless act but a calculated intimidation tactic by Chinese agents (Livemint, The Guardian).

However, it is important to note that the Chinese government has denied these allegations, claiming that their diplomats adhere to local laws and accusing the Czech Republic of interfering in China's internal affairs (Newsweek). This response reflects the broader geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as the Czech Republic's increasing support for Taiwan.

Conclusion

The claim that China plotted a car collision to target Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to Prague is True. The evidence from credible sources, including official intelligence reports and statements from Taiwanese officials, supports the assertion that there was a planned intimidation effort involving Chinese agents. The plot's revelation has significant implications for Taiwan's international relations and highlights the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan.