Fact Check: "Chinese diplomats allegedly breached diplomatic obligations during Hsiao's visit."
What We Know
During the visit of Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim to the Czech Republic in March 2024, Czech intelligence reported that Chinese diplomats allegedly planned to stage a car collision as part of a broader intimidation strategy against her. The incident reportedly involved a Chinese diplomat running a red light while following Hsiao's vehicle, which was under police escort. Czech military intelligence officials indicated that this was part of a larger plan orchestrated by Chinese diplomats and intelligence officers, which aimed to create a "demonstrative kinetic action" against Hsiao, although it did not reach the execution phase (The Guardian, Newsweek).
Czech officials emphasized that these actions constituted a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates that diplomats must respect the laws and regulations of their host countries and refrain from any activities that could harm the host state's peace and security (Reuters, The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim that Chinese diplomats breached their diplomatic obligations during Hsiao's visit is supported by multiple credible sources. The reports from Czech intelligence indicate a coordinated effort by Chinese officials to intimidate Hsiao, which is a serious allegation that aligns with the principles outlined in the Vienna Convention. The Czech military intelligence service's spokesperson, Jan Pejšek, explicitly stated that the activities of the Chinese diplomats "flagrantly breach the obligations arising from the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations" (The Guardian).
The reliability of the sources reporting this incident is high. Both Reuters and The Guardian are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. They have cited official statements from Czech intelligence, which adds credibility to the claims. Additionally, the involvement of military intelligence in the investigation suggests that the information is not merely speculative but based on actionable intelligence.
However, it is important to note that the Chinese government has denied these allegations, claiming that their diplomats adhere to the laws of the host country and accusing the Czech government of interfering in China's internal affairs (Newsweek). This counter-narrative reflects the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as the geopolitical complexities surrounding Taiwan's international engagements.
Conclusion
The evidence supports the claim that Chinese diplomats breached their diplomatic obligations during Hsiao Bi-khim's visit to the Czech Republic. Reports from credible sources, including Czech military intelligence, indicate that there was a planned intimidation strategy involving a staged car collision, which constitutes a violation of diplomatic norms. Therefore, the verdict is True.
