TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) was reportedly tailed by a Chinese diplomat during her visit to the Czech Republic last month.

As Hsiao’s convoy made its way from Václav Havel Airport to downtown Prague on Tuesday (March 19), the Czech police noticed a suspicious car following behind. After they passed through an intersection, the unidentified vehicle ran through a red light, nearly causing an accident, according to Czech newspaper Seznam Zpravy.

After being stopped by police, the driver presented a Chinese diplomatic passport, claiming to be going to a Chinese restaurant nearby. The diplomat was said to be working in the military section of the Chinese Embassy in Prague. 

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it is addressing the matter. "Based on information about the incident, the minister decided to summon the Chinese ambassador," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Daniel Drake said.

Drake said the Chinese ambassador has already been called to the foreign ministry. "The minister does not consider the matter closed," Drake said.

"Expulsion is being discussed," Seznam Zpravy cited a government official as saying, under the condition of anonymity. The incident reflects China's continuation of intimidation and coercion against Taiwan abroad. 

In 2020, Chinese diplomats crashed a Double Ten Day celebration in Fiji, taking pictures and collecting information about the guests.

During Hsiao’s visit to the Central European nation, she spoke at a seminar hosted by Czech think tank Sinopsis and met with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil. Vystrcil described the seminar as “strengthening partnership and cooperation between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.”