European Parliament Vice-President praises Hsiao Bi-khim for advocating Taiwan's democracy

In a recent exclusive interview, European Parliament Vice-President Pina Picierno expressed high praise for Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, describing her as "a role model in the fight for democracy and freedom." During the interview, defying Beijing's diplomatic pressure, Picierno publicly invited Hsiao to visit Italy in the near future to deliver a speech, and stated that she had accepted an invitation from Taiwan to visit the island nation shortly. This move not only highlights the European Parliament's recognition of Taiwan's democratic values, but also demonstrates the European Union's willingness to challenge China's isolation strategy with concrete actions on the international stage.

In recent years, the European Parliament has consistently integrated human rights and democracy issues into the core of its foreign policy, repeatedly condemning China's political oppression and information blockades. Since 2021, the European Parliament has passed multiple resolutions urging member states to strengthen unofficial exchanges with Taiwan and seek cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and epidemic prevention. Despite Beijing's hardline stance, warning European countries that "Taiwan independence forces" will not be allowed to challenge the "One China" principle, the European Parliament insists on a value-based diplomatic approach, viewing Taiwan as a model of democracy in Asia to balance economic dealings and value conflicts with China.

As Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim has long played a crucial role in cross-strait affairs and on the international stage. Her diplomatic style is known for being pragmatic and open. She has repeatedly articulated Taiwan's success in disease prevention and technological innovation at international conferences, winning the recognition of dignitaries from multiple countries. Vice-President Picierno pointed out that Hsiao's speeches are not only a personal honor, but also a "living demonstration" of Taiwan's democratic system, expressing hope that through her sharing, the European public can gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan's maturity in freedom of speech, electoral systems, and civil society. This invitation also symbolizes the European Parliament's desire to give Taiwan's voice greater exposure and influence on future multilateral platforms.

This development holds multiple implications for Taiwan's international space. First, high-ranking officials of the European Parliament personally inviting and planning to visit Taiwan amounts to providing "de facto recognition" to Taiwan in terms of international law and diplomatic protocol; second, it may inspire other Western countries to adopt a more proactive posture toward Taiwan in diplomacy, economic and trade, or technological cooperation. In response, mainland China is expected to react through diplomatic protests, media propaganda, or restrictions on bilateral business exchanges in an attempt to weaken the positive effects of such interactions. For domestic political parties in Taiwan, Hsiao's international itinerary can also serve as a talking point for the ruling party regarding its diplomatic achievements, boosting public confidence in the government's efforts to secure space on the international stage.

Picierno emphasized at the conclusion of the interview that "my cooperation with Taiwan has just begun, and there is still much to do and to say," hinting at deeper cooperation plans between the two sides in areas such as democratic governance, information security, and green energy in the future. If this cooperation is implemented, it will help further elevate Taiwan's role in global supply chains and technological innovation, while also providing Europe with a reliable partner in its strategic layout for the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, this interview and invitation are not merely matters of personal courtesy, but symbolize the European Parliament's concrete implementation of value-based diplomacy, generating a profound impact on Taiwan's international participation and democratic image.