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Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has stood firm in the face of reported Chinese intimidation during a diplomatic visit to Prague in early 2024. Her visit came amid increasingly warm relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic, despite the latter not officially recognizing the island as a sovereign state. The alleged harassment by Chinese diplomats has sparked international concern and further strained China’s diplomatic relations in Europe.
I. Allegations of Surveillance and Threats
1. Accusations from Czech Military Intelligence
Czech intelligence agencies have accused Chinese diplomats and covert agents of monitoring and attempting to intimidate Vice President Hsiao during her visit to Prague. Reports suggest that Chinese operatives not only followed her convoy but also considered staging a deliberate traffic incident. A Czech diplomat was even observed running a red light while trailing Hsiao’s vehicle.
2. Unlawful Diplomatic Conduct
Jan Pejsek, a spokesperson for Czech military intelligence, stated that Chinese officials gathered intelligence on Hsiao’s itinerary and attempted to document her engagements with Czech leaders. He also noted that plans were in motion for a demonstrative kinetic act against the Vice President, though it never moved beyond the planning stage.
II. Reactions from Taiwan and the International Community
1. Hsiao’s Public Response
Following the revelations, Hsiao took to social media to express gratitude toward Czech authorities for their hospitality and protection. She emphasized that such threats would not deter her from promoting Taiwan’s interests globally. In another statement, she acknowledged and appreciated the support from international parliamentarians who condemned the reported coercion.
2. Statements from Taiwan’s Government
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council issued a stern condemnation of China’s behavior, labeling it a serious threat to the safety of Hsiao and her delegation. The Council demanded a formal explanation and public apology from Beijing.
3. Global Condemnation
The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee denounced China’s actions as coercive rather than diplomatic. A senior Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously, described the incident as an example of “transnational repression” and urged the international community to recognize the broader implications.
III. China’s Denial and Diplomatic Fallout
1. Beijing’s Rebuttal
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any misconduct, asserting that its diplomats had adhered strictly to the laws of host nations. Beijing accused the Czech Republic of interfering in China’s internal affairs by allowing Hsiao’s visit and warned against being manipulated by “separatist forces” supporting Taiwanese independence.
2. Diplomatic Strain with the Czech Republic
Relations between China and the Czech Republic have soured in recent years. In May, Prague accused China of orchestrating a cyberattack on its foreign ministry. The Czech foreign ministry acknowledged summoning the Chinese ambassador over the Hsiao incident but declined to elaborate further.
IV. Broader Context and Implications
1. Growing Support for Taiwan in Europe
The Czech Republic has increasingly aligned itself with Taiwan. Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited Prague in late 2023, and several Czech officials have since made trips to Taiwan. These actions reflect a broader European trend of defying Beijing’s pressure and strengthening ties with Taipei.
2. China’s Pressure on Global Diplomacy
China continues to ramp up political and military pressure on Taiwan, which it claims as part of its territory. Taiwan maintains that its future should be decided solely by its citizens and remains committed to preserving its democratic governance.
3. Hsiao’s Rising International Profile
Since assuming office alongside President Lai Ching-te in May 2024, Hsiao has taken an active role in elevating Taiwan’s global diplomatic visibility. Her assertiveness and the strong responses to alleged threats are likely to solidify her standing as a prominent advocate for Taiwan on the international stage.
Conclusion
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s unwavering response to alleged Chinese intimidation tactics in Prague highlights the growing tensions in cross-strait and international diplomacy. As Taiwan continues to strengthen its international alliances, particularly in Europe, Beijing’s aggressive strategies may increasingly backfire. The incident underscores the global stakes in Taiwan’s pursuit of recognition and security.
