**Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim Visits Europe for Democracy Conference**
Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is currently on a significant visit to Europe, attending the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy. This trip marks a rare occasion for a high-ranking Taiwanese official to engage in diplomatic activities in Europe, as Taiwan's foreign ministers occasionally visit but vice presidential visits are uncommon due to potential backlash from Beijing.
Hsiao Bi-khim is accompanied by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, reflecting the importance of the conference and Taiwan's commitment to promoting democratic values. The presidential office of Taiwan confirmed their attendance in a brief statement, highlighting the significance of the event.
The Ventotene Conference, taking place from Thursday to Saturday, is a platform for discussing democratic principles and freedoms. It has attracted various international figures, including Oleksandra Matviichuk, a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and president of Ukraine’s Centre for Civil Liberties, who is also expected to participate.
Pina Picierno, the vice president of the European Parliament, emphasized the importance of Hsiao's participation, noting that the decision to keep her visit under wraps until her arrival was made to safeguard her involvement. In a statement on social media, Picierno asserted that “no one can determine who can be hosted on European soil,” underscoring the commitment to uphold democratic discourse free from intimidation by authoritarian regimes.
The conference is particularly poignant given the ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, with the latter claiming Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan, governed democratically, firmly rejects this assertion. Hsiao's presence at such a high-profile event serves as a statement of Taiwan's resilience and commitment to democratic values, especially in the face of external pressures.
This visit follows Hsiao's previous engagement at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China’s annual summit in Brussels last November, where she addressed issues concerning Taiwan and its international standing. As Taiwan continues to navigate its complex relationship with China, the participation of its leaders in international forums underscores its efforts to strengthen alliances and advocate for democratic principles on a global stage.
The Ventotene Conference is expected to foster discussions on various aspects of democracy and freedom, reinforcing the notion that such values must be defended against authoritarianism. As the event unfolds, further details regarding the discussions and outcomes are anticipated upon Hsiao's return to Taiwan.