TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Czech authorities arrested a Chinese national in Prague on Saturday for allegedly working for Chinese intelligence, possibly connected to a 2024 incident where Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) was followed, CNA reported.

European Values Center for Security Policy Director Jakub Janda said the suspect, Yang Yiming, worked for years in Prague as a correspondent for Guangming Daily, a CCP–affiliated newspaper. He allegedly used his journalist role as cover to gather information on politicians’ travel and visits to Taiwan.

Yang reportedly cultivated relationships with Czech and Slovak officials to collect information. Around 2020, Guangming Daily partnered with Czech publication Literarni Noviny, which later ran pro-Beijing content.

The arrest comes as Czech lawmakers debate repealing a law criminalizing “illegal activity on behalf of a foreign power.” Czech Justice Minister Jeronym Tejc said the law is vague and prone to abuse but stressed espionage remains illegal.

Hsiao visited the Czech Republic in March 2024 as vice president-elect. Czech military intelligence confirmed attempts by Chinese operatives to target a protected individual. Media reports said the operation may have included plans to collide with her motorcade.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babib said repealing the law remains a coalition goal but pressure from recent Chinese infiltration cases may delay the move. Authorities continue to stress the need to protect national security while maintaining legal clarity.

Police said criminal proceedings have started and further details cannot be disclosed.