
VP Hsiao back in Taiwan after 3-day visit to Italy for democracy forum
Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is back home after a whirlwind three-day visit to Italy, where she took Taiwan’s message of democracy and freedom directly to Europe. Speaking at the Ventotene Forum, Hsiao stood firm against China’s growing military and gray-zone pressure, declaring that Taiwan will continue to walk alongside the world. Her speech won strong support from European figures, but also clearly struck a nerve in Beijing, which protested her appearance. Now back in Taiwan, Hsiao says the trip sends a clear message that Taiwan will not be intimidated.
After a visit to the Island of Ventotene in Italy, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived safely back in Taiwan in the early hours of Monday.
Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
With my visit, I wanted to send a strong message: No matter the difficult situation we may be in, Taiwan will continue to walk alongside the world. At the Ventotene Forum, I took part in dialogues about freedom, democracy and peace. That is no coincidence. Freedom is the language we all speak, and peace is the aspiration we all have.
Hsiao stressed that no matter their size, the islands of Taiwan and Ventotene should be treated with equal amounts of respect.
Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
Taiwan is facing increasing pressure, due to military moves and gray-zone tactics. But just like our friends in Europe, we remain committed to our free and democratic way of life, while striving to preserve regional peace and prosperity.
Vice President Hsiao and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung made a quick three-day visit to Italy, where they took part in the Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy, at the invitation of European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno. In her speech, Hsiao stressed Taiwan’s determination to defend democracy and freedom amid China’s growing military threats, and described Taiwan’s resilience as that of a “War Cat.” Her speech won widespread applause from international participants, but also ruffled feathers in Beijing.
Mao Ning
China Foreign Ministry spokesperson
China has lodged serious protests with Italy and the EU side on the “Taiwan independence” politicians’ attendance at the conference in Italy.
Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
China was shocked to learn what was happening. They dispatched personnel to disrupt the event and monitor what was happening at the forum. But security officers from the countries involved intervened and ordered them to leave. This all goes to show the close ties between Taiwan and several EU countries. Of course, this is a big diplomatic breakthrough and victory for Taiwan.
President Lai Ching-te shared the post of Hsiao’s arrival on his Facebook, adding that it was Taiwan’s right to engage with the world. He stated that Taiwan would continue to pursue opportunities for exchanges and collaboration internationally, so that the world can see Taiwan.
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2026-09-14