Fact Check: Czech Intelligence Confirmed Chinese Diplomats' Unlawful Activities Against Hsiao Bi-khim
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Czech intelligence has confirmed allegations against Chinese diplomats regarding unlawful activities aimed at Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. During her visit to Prague in March 2024, it was revealed that Chinese diplomats allegedly planned to stage a car collision involving Hsiao's vehicle. This information was disclosed by the Czech military intelligence service, which stated that the activities conducted by Chinese officials were not only unlawful but also posed a direct threat to Hsiao's safety (The Guardian, Reuters).
Petr Bartovský, the director of the Czech military intelligence service, noted that the incident was part of a broader plan orchestrated by Chinese diplomats and intelligence officers based in Prague. The plan reportedly included the intention to "demonstratively confront" Hsiao, which was interpreted as an attempt to create a dangerous situation for her (The Guardian).
Hsiao Bi-khim herself responded to these revelations, asserting that such unlawful activities would not deter her from advocating for Taiwan's interests on the international stage (Reuters).
Analysis
The claims made by Czech intelligence are supported by multiple credible sources, including local media and official statements from military intelligence. The specifics of the alleged plan, including the intention to stage a car collision, were detailed by Jan Pejšek, a spokesperson for the Czech military intelligence service. He emphasized that these actions were in violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, which governs the conduct of diplomats and their responsibilities to host nations (The Guardian).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is strong. The Guardian and Reuters are well-established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. Their coverage of the incident includes direct quotes from officials and contextual details that lend credibility to the claims being made. Additionally, the response from Taiwan's government, condemning the actions of Chinese diplomats, further corroborates the seriousness of the situation (Reuters, The Guardian).
However, it is important to consider potential biases. The context of Taiwan-China relations is highly charged, and narratives can be influenced by political agendas. Nonetheless, the corroboration from multiple sources and the official nature of the intelligence report lend significant weight to the claims.
Conclusion
The claim that Czech intelligence confirmed Chinese diplomats' unlawful activities against Hsiao Bi-khim is True. The evidence presented by Czech military intelligence, along with corroborating reports from reputable news outlets, supports the assertion that there was a planned intimidation effort involving a staged car collision during Hsiao's visit to Prague. The actions described not only breach diplomatic norms but also represent a serious threat to the safety of a visiting dignitary.
