Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is making a rare high-level visit to Europe, attending the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Taiwan’s presidential office said on September 11.
Reuters reported that Beijing protested the visit to both Italy and the European Union. Italy has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is not scheduled to meet Hsiao. Pina Picierno, a vice-president of the European Parliament, said Hsiao’s attendance had initially been kept quiet because of concern over pressure from Beijing.
Why it matters
The visit illustrates the widening space for democratic engagement between the Republic of China in Taiwan and European political networks even where formal diplomatic recognition is absent. It also shows the continuing tension between Beijing’s efforts to restrict Taiwan’s international participation and the willingness of European democratic actors to engage senior Taiwanese officials.
Hsiao’s presence should not be described as Italian diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. The significance lies instead in political access, democratic-network participation and the ability of Taiwan’s elected leaders to engage abroad despite pressure from the Mainland Chinese Communist Government.