Taiwan’s Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim completed her first overseas visit to the Czech Republic in March 2024, following the election victory of her and Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te in January. On what would be a monumental trip for any other reason, Hsiao faced some alarming safety issues. Accusation of a Chinese diplomat fleeing red light in first trial, speeding through Washington escorted by police from airport. Czech officials have reported that these actions “seriously threatened the personal safety” of Hsiao and her entourage.
Czech military intelligence reported that Chinese officials had developed a plan to orchestrate a car crash. Their intended target was the car of Taiwan’s representative to the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim. According to reports, the scheme allegedly involved people with diplomatic status at the Chinese embassy in Prague. Their aim was to stage an uncomfortable and antagonistic situation while she was on the visit. Jan Pejšek, a Czech intelligence official, described it as an “attempt by the Chinese civil secret service to create conditions to perform a demonstrative kinetic action against a protected person, which however did not go beyond the phase of preparation.”
In reaction to these threats, the Czech foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador to account for this grave situation. Hsiao thanked Czech authorities for their work in keeping her safe while she remained in country. She reiterated her insistence to stay undaunted by China’s bullying and intimidation.
“The CCP’s unlawful activities will NOT intimidate me from voicing Taiwan’s interests in the international community.” – Hsiao Bi-khim
Geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated in recent years. Beijing is doubling down on its increasingly militarized efforts to deter American and Asian support for Taiwan, which Beijing claims as a breakaway province of China. In recent comments, Chinese officials have promised to respond with extreme force against supporters of Taiwanese independence—one of which Hsiao Bi-khim definitely is.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reacted to the incident. He called on everyone to avoid being stirred up by “Taiwan independence” provocateurs. Further, he noted the need for restraint to avoid undermining or straining bilateral relations.
“always observe the laws and regulations of host countries.” – Guo Jiakun
The tensions surrounding Hsiao’s visit underscore the broader challenges facing Taiwan as it navigates its relationship with China amidst a backdrop of increasing hostility. That’s why the alleged plot to create a fake collision is so troubling. It just underscores how far some actors will go to try and intimidate Taiwanese leaders while they’re abroad.