A shocking revelation has emerged from the heart of Europe: Czech intelligence officials have reported that Chinese operatives attempted to orchestrate a covert operation aimed at sabotaging the visit of former Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te during his diplomatic trip to Prague earlier this year.
According to Czech security sources, the alleged plot involved provoking an incident that would embarrass Taiwan and potentially damage its growing international relationships—especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where Taiwan has been quietly expanding its diplomatic outreach.
Background: A Growing Taiwan–Czech Friendship
Over the past few years, the Czech Republic has deepened its informal ties with Taiwan, drawing criticism from Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province and reacts strongly to any international recognition.
Former Taiwanese VP Lai’s visit to Prague was part of a broader diplomatic mission to strengthen cultural, economic, and technological cooperation between the two nations. During his trip, Lai met with Czech lawmakers, business leaders, and civil society members, all in a show of soft power diplomacy.
What the Czech Intel Discovered
The Czech Security Information Service (BIS) reported signs of coordinated Chinese surveillance activities during Lai’s visit, including:
- Unusual electronic tracking signals
- Attempts to infiltrate event venues
- Surveillance of local politicians who met with the Taiwanese delegation
Though the plan did not escalate into a physical attack, intelligence officials believe the goal was to stage an incident, potentially involving protests, staged confrontations, or digital sabotage to discredit Taiwan and frighten off future international allies.
The operation, Czech officials believe, was quietly foiled through rapid coordination between Czech counterintelligence and local police.
🇨🇳 China’s Response
The Chinese embassy in Prague has denied all allegations, calling them “unfounded, politically motivated, and irresponsible.” A spokesperson accused Czech officials of fueling anti-China hysteria and violating the One-China policy by entertaining visits from senior Taiwanese politicians.
China continues to pressure countries diplomatically and economically that engage with Taiwan, and this incident adds to a growing list of tensions between Beijing and European nations asserting their foreign policy independence.
European Reaction
The European Union has not issued an official statement, but several Czech lawmakers have called for a formal EU investigation into Chinese covert operations across the continent. They stress that this is not just a bilateral issue, but a European security concern.
Member of Parliament Ivana Lisková stated:
“This is no longer a question of Czech–Chinese relations. It’s about the right of any sovereign European nation to engage freely with global partners without external interference.”
What does this mean for Taiwan?
For Taiwan, this incident further highlights the risks it faces while trying to build diplomatic bridges under the shadow of Chinese pressure. Yet, it may also strengthen Taiwan’s image as a democratic ally facing authoritarian aggression—a narrative that resonates with many Western nations today.
What’s Next?
- Czech intelligence is continuing its investigation into foreign surveillance in Prague.
- A security review of future international visits is underway.
- There are growing calls in Czech Parliament for greater cybersecurity cooperation with Taiwan.
This incident marks yet another chapter in the ongoing geopolitical chess match between China, Taiwan, and the Western world, where even symbolic diplomatic gestures are met with increasingly complex and covert resistance.
