PRAGUE, Czech Republic (Diya TV) — Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said she will not be intimidated by China after Czech intelligence revealed a plan by Chinese officials to physically threaten her during a 2024 visit to Prague.

According to Czech military intelligence, Chinese diplomats and secret service agents followed Hsiao during her March 2024 visit. They reportedly gathered details on her schedule, tracked her movements, and attempted to document her meetings with Czech leaders.

The Czech intelligence agency also uncovered a plan by the Chinese civil secret service to stage a demonstrative “kinetic action” against Hsiao, which may have involved a fake car crash. The plan, however, never went beyond the preparation phase, according to Czech officials.

“This consisted of physically following the vice president, gathering information on her schedule, and attempting to document her meetings,” said Czech military intelligence spokesman Jan Pejsek in a statement. “We even recorded an attempt… to create conditions to perform a demonstrative kinetic action.”

Hsiao addressed the reports in a post on X, formerly Twitter. She thanked Czech authorities for ensuring her safety and expressed gratitude for the support of international allies.

“The CCP’s unlawful activities will NOT intimidate me from voicing Taiwan’s interests in the international community,” she wrote, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. In a separate post, she added, “Taiwan will not be isolated by intimidation.” Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council echoed her sentiments. The council condemned China’s actions and demanded a public apology. 

“The Chinese actions seriously threatened the personal safety of Vice President Hsiao and her entourage,” the council said. China’s foreign ministry denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson accused the Czech Republic of interfering in China’s internal affairs by welcoming the Taiwanese vice president.

“Chinese diplomats have always abided by the laws and regulations of the countries in which they are stationed,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. “We urge the parties concerned not to be provoked and exploited by separatist forces for Taiwan independence.”

The U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee criticized the alleged Chinese actions. In a post on X, the committee wrote, “This is the CCP’s criminality on display for the whole world to see. This isn’t diplomacy, it’s coercion.” A senior Taiwanese security official called the incident a case of “transnational repression.” The official said the European Union and other international bodies should closely monitor such actions.

“This is a problem that everyone should pay attention to,” the official said, adding that other governments have reported similar threats during visits by Taiwanese officials. The Czech Republic and China have experienced growing tensions in recent years. In May 2025, Czech authorities accused China of launching a cyberattack on the foreign ministry. Relations further cooled as Czech lawmakers continued to support Taiwan’s democratic government.

Taiwan and the Czech Republic maintain close ties despite a lack of formal diplomatic relations. Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited Prague in October 2023, and Czech leaders have regularly traveled to Taiwan. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and has increased political and military pressure on the island in recent years. Taiwan, however, rejects Beijing’s claims and insists its people have the right to decide their future.

Hsiao became Taiwan’s vice president on May 20, 2024, alongside President Lai Ching-te. Both leaders have pledged to strengthen Taiwan’s international partnerships and resist pressure from China. The reported intimidation attempt in Prague highlights broader concerns about China’s tactics to suppress Taiwan’s diplomatic efforts. International observers warn that similar incidents may continue as Taiwan seeks greater global recognition.

Taiwanese officials are calling for a united response. “This isn’t just about Taiwan,” said the security official. “It’s about defending freedom, safety, and democracy around the world.”