U.S. lauds Taiwan vice president's Italy visit as EU stays neutral

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim traveled to the Italian island of Ventotene to take part in the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy, an invitation extended by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno and Carlo Corazza. Upon her return, a State Department spokesperson emphasized that Taiwan's international engagements bring tangible benefits to partner countries, including those in Europe.

Hsiao explained that the trip was not publicly announced to prevent what she described as "unnecessary interference" from China. The European Union, through an unnamed spokesperson, declined to comment on the specific visit, reiterating its commitment to the One-China policy that recognizes the People's Republic of China. The EU added that exchanges with Taiwan are still of interest within that policy framework.