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

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

What We Know

Recent reports have emerged indicating that Chinese diplomats allegedly planned a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit to Prague in March 2024. According to Czech intelligence, this incident was part of a broader scheme to intimidate Hsiao, who was under police escort at the time. The intelligence officials revealed that a Chinese diplomat had run a red light while following her vehicle, and further investigations suggested that there were plans to create a "demonstrative kinetic action" against her, which was understood to involve a collision with her car (The Guardian, Newsweek).

Hsiao Bi-khim's visit marked her first overseas trip following her election, and she has publicly stated that she will not be intimidated by such actions, emphasizing her commitment to advocating for Taiwan's interests on the international stage (The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that China plotted a staged car collision has been substantiated by multiple credible sources, including reports from Czech military intelligence and local media. The Czech military intelligence chief condemned the plot as "unprecedented" for China in Europe, highlighting the serious nature of the threat (Newsweek). The intelligence service's spokesperson, Jan Pejšek, confirmed that the activities of Chinese diplomats in Prague violated diplomatic norms and posed a direct threat to Hsiao's safety (The Guardian).

The reliability of the sources reporting this incident is high, given that they are established news organizations and official intelligence agencies. The Czech military intelligence has a vested interest in ensuring the safety of foreign dignitaries and has a track record of credible reporting. Furthermore, the incident has drawn international attention, prompting responses from both the Taiwanese government and the Chinese foreign ministry, which adds to the claim's credibility (Reuters, The Guardian).

However, it is essential to note that the Chinese government has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their diplomats adhere to the laws of the host country. This denial, while part of standard diplomatic rhetoric, does not negate the evidence presented by Czech authorities (Newsweek).

Conclusion

The claim that China plotted a staged car collision targeting Taiwan's vice-president in Prague is True. The evidence from Czech intelligence and corroborating reports from reputable news sources support the assertion that there was a deliberate plan to intimidate Hsiao Bi-khim during her visit. The seriousness of the situation, as described by Czech officials, underscores the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, particularly regarding international engagements involving Taiwanese officials.

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