Taiwan Vice President Returns from Italy Trip Amid Mixed International Responses

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan on Monday following a visit to the Italian island of Ventotene. Hsiao attended the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy at the invitation of European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno and Carlo Corazza, head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy. The trip was not announced in advance to avoid unnecessary interference from China, according to Hsiao.

During her visit, Hsiao met with several officials, including European Parliament member Valerie Hayer and Ventotene Mayor Carmine Caputo. In her address at the conference, Hsiao stated that no island is too small to have a voice or deserve respect. She noted that democracies worldwide face challenges from authoritarianism, coercion, and attempts to alter the status quo, which she said Taiwan is familiar with.

The United States government praised the trip, with a State Department spokesperson stating that closer exchanges between Taiwan and the international community provide significant benefits to the citizens of those countries, including those in Europe. In contrast, a European Union spokesperson declined to comment on the specific travel plans of European Parliament members. The EU reiterated its One China Policy, which recognizes the People's Republic of China, while noting that the bloc and its member states have an interest in exchanges with Taiwan to advance EU interests within that framework.