Former Czech Chamber of Deputies speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová gave an exclusive interview to Radio Taiwan International (Rti) this Friday. She exchanged views with Rti Chairperson Cheryl Lai (賴秀如) on the main challenges facing public media at present and expressed hope for further cooperation between Czechia and Taiwan.

Adamová pointed out that the spread of fake news via social media platforms creates major challenges for public broadcasters. Lai agreed, observing that even major public media outlets like Germany’s Deutsche Welle have had to turn to TikTok as a means of disseminating information due to its popularity among certain demographics.

Adamová, who now works for a private consulting firm to foster closer ties with Asian countries, said that while Taiwan and Czechia already interact frequently in areas such as trade, investment, culture, and education, there remain many opportunities for cooperation in the defense industry. She said she hopes to connect Czech companies specializing in satellites, drones, ammunition, and other products to Taiwanese firms, further promoting civilian defense cooperation between the two countries. 

Asked about the apparent turmoil in the current international order, Adamová expressed deep concern about the state of democracy, reflecting on Czechia’s history of oppression under Nazi and communist rule. She warned that democracy can turn into dictatorship due to the decisions of a few leaders, even in the United States. Adamová said she believes democratic countries around the world must unite to defend their shared values.

Regarding an incident in which Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) was followed by Chinese military attachés during her trip to Czechia in March 2024, as well as a recent arrest by Czech police of a journalist suspected of working for Chinese intelligence, Adamová said this represents a “hybrid threat” of a kind that she has seen carried out by China and Russia. 

Adamová emphasized the importance of not underestimating China, as she believes that they are quietly observing and learning from the situation in Ukraine, in addition to cooperating closely with Russia.