Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Returns After Attending Italian Freedom Conference
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim landed in Taiwan on Monday following a trip to Italy where she took part in the second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy.
After a European tour, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim returned to Taiwan on Monday, touching down at Taoyuan International Airport where she spoke via livestream about her recent trip. She described the Italian island of Ventotene as a site of historic relevance and emphasized that freedom serves as a common language across nations, while peace remains a shared aspiration. Hsiao attended the second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy on Friday as a guest of honor, traveling with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
The delegation’s presence was not disclosed until after they reached Italy, a tactic intended to limit potential interference from Beijing. This marks Hsiao's second European visit since assuming office in May 2024, following a November 2025 mission to Brussels for the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. Upon her return, she reaffirmed Taiwan's commitment to walk alongside the international community despite challenging circumstances.
Why it matters
The trip underscores Taiwan's effort to strengthen its diplomatic ties and promote democratic values on the global stage.
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