Czech military intelligence uncovered a threatening Chinese plan against Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim. On her March 2024 trip to Prague, her first foreign visit since the election win with President Lai Ching-te, Chinese agents had schemed to orchestrate a car accident to terrorize her.

The plot, which was coordinated from the Chinese embassy in Prague, never advanced beyond the planning stage, but the Czech government described it as “unprecedented.” Taiwan has criticised the act and appreciated the speed of Prague’s response. The incident reveals China’s increasing transnational repression operations and efforts to isolate Taiwan.

Chinese Agents Tracked Taiwan’s VP in Prague

Chinese agents tied to Beijing’s embassy in the Czech capital, Prague, conducted active surveillance of Hsiao Bi-Khim while she was visiting, Czech Radio reports. They monitored her itinerary and attempted to record meetings with senior Czech political and public personalities.

The surveillance became risky after a Chinese diplomat allegedly ran a red light in downtown Prague in order to keep tailing operations going. This negligent act unveiled the wider scheme.

Planned ‘Demonstrative Kinetic Action

Petr Bartovský, head of Czech Military Intelligence, characterized the scheme as a “demonstrative kinetic action.” The agents planned to cause a car crash with Hsiao’s motorcade as a warning. The plan did not proceed to implementation.

Czech security personnel remained vigilant during the visit and stood prepared to act if there was a need. Although they determined there was no immediate danger to Hsiao, the intended intimidation attempt created alarm in Prague’s security community.

Taiwan Criticizes, Applauds Czech Reaction

Taiwan’s Presidential Office criticized the scheme and expressed gratitude to Czech authorities for their surveillance. Spokesperson Karen Kuo affirm that Taiwan’s security agencies were already on high alert.

Representative Kuang-ting Chen criticized Beijing’s breach of international law, saying in an X statement that using diplomatic immunity as a cover to meddle in another nation’s sovereignty is not acceptable. He termed the event an obvious case of authoritarian abuse of authority.

China’s Pattern of Pressure on Taiwan

China has attempted to diplomatically isolate Taiwan for a long time. In 2022, it suspended trade with Lithuania following the approval by the Baltic nation of Taiwan’s establishment of a representative office bearing the name “Taiwan.”

Beijing reasons that formal interactions with Taipei contravene its “One China” policy. Taiwan, however, is a de facto sovereign state with its own government, army, and foreign relations.

Dangerous Diplomatic Escalation in Europe

The Czech Republic has officially raised the matter with Beijing. Although details were withheld by the foreign ministry, the diplomatic contact on the matter was confirmed. This case represents a troubling new level of China’s coercive diplomatic behavior in Europe.

It also establishes a dangerous precedent that should send a chill down the spine of Taiwan’s future diplomacy if not addressed. By unveiling this conspiracy, Czech officials have delivered a strong message to Beijing: intimidation will not muzzle democratic coalitions.