January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
BEIJING, June 30 — China on Monday defended its diplomats following allegations by Taiwan that staff from Beijing’s embassy had plotted to ram the car of Taiwan’s vice president during an official visit to Europe.
“Chinese diplomats abroad always respect the laws and regulations of their host countries,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.
Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) alleged last Friday that Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s motorcade was surveilled and followed in a planned ramming attempt during her visit to the Czech Republic in March 2024.
Czech military intelligence spokesman Jan Pejsek told AFP on Sunday that individuals with diplomatic status at the Chinese Embassy in Prague had targeted Hsiao, trailed her convoy, and sought details about her itinerary and meetings with Czech officials.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has increased military pressure on the self-governed island, deploying more fighter jets and naval vessels in recent years.
In response to the Czech allegations, Beijing reiterated that “Taiwan is a part of China and has no so-called vice president.”
“No matter how the DPP authorities try to distort the facts, seek external support for independence, or attempt to drive a wedge into China’s diplomatic ties, their malicious intentions will not succeed,” Mao added, referring to Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party. — AFP
