Taipei: In a significant diplomatic statement following a historic trip to Europe, Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim reaffirmed that the island nation “is not alone” in its pursuit of democratic values and international engagement. Her remarks came after what officials described as a “breakthrough” visit, underscoring growing European interest in strengthening unofficial ties with Taipei despite mounting pressure from Beijing.
Hsiao’s European tour marks one of the most visible engagements between Taiwan and European nations in recent years. While the visit was not classified as an official state visit given Europe’s adherence to the “One China” policy it nonetheless carried profound symbolic weight. She met with senior lawmakers, policy experts, and business leaders across several countries, emphasizing cooperation on technology, green energy, and democratic resilience.
Speaking upon her return to Taipei, Hsiao stated that her trip had “strengthened the global network of democracies” and reaffirmed Taiwan’s position as “a reliable and responsible partner on the world stage.” She stressed that European counterparts had expressed consistent support for Taiwan’s right to participate in international institutions, highlighting growing alignment on global security and human rights issues.
Beijing, however, reacted sharply to the visit, condemning European engagement with Taipei as a violation of the One China principle. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning European nations against sending “wrong signals” to Taiwan’s independence forces. Despite such warnings, several European lawmakers publicly defended their meetings, framing them as legitimate exchanges between democracies that share common values.
Analysts in both Taiwan and Europe view the trip as a turning point in Taipei’s diplomatic outreach strategy. With China’s assertiveness increasing in the Indo-Pacific, Europe’s willingness to engage Taiwan reflects a broader diversification of its foreign policy approach. Topics such as semiconductor cooperation, cybersecurity, and supply chain resilience reportedly dominated the discussions, reinforcing Taiwan’s strategic importance in global technology networks.
Concluding her remarks, Vice President Hsiao expressed gratitude for the warmth and support shown during her visit. “Taiwan’s voice is being heard,” she declared. “Our friends across the world understand that defending democracy in Taiwan is defending democracy everywhere.” Her words resonated strongly at a time when cross-strait tensions remain high, and Taiwan continues to navigate its complex position between global solidarity and regional security threats.
The trip, while limited in formal recognition, has sent a clear message: Taiwan’s diplomatic space may be constrained by geopolitics, but its democratic ideals and partnerships continue to expand across continents.