Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim joins Italy's democracy forum amid Beijing pressure
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to Italy with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung to attend the Venturene Conference on Freedom and Democracy, a rare high-level Taiwan visit to Europe.
Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, accompanied by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, landed on Ventotene, Italy, to take part in the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy. The forum, running from Thursday to Saturday, draws participants advocating democratic principles and includes Nobel Peace Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk. Officials highlighted the rarity of a vice presidential visit to Europe because of the risk of Chinese retaliation against host nations.
European Parliament vice president Pina Picierno explained that the delegation's attendance was concealed until arrival to shield it from intimidation. The conference underscores Italy's stance that democratic debate should proceed without fear, despite its lack of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Why it matters
The visit signals Taiwan's effort to strengthen international democratic ties despite pressure from China.
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