Hsiao Bi-khim visits Italian island to champion Taiwan's democracy and global participation

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived on the Italian island of Ventotene on the 10th, where she was invited to deliver a speech at the 2nd Ventotene European Forum for Freedom and Democracy, focusing on Taiwan's democratic governance and international participation. Since World War II, Ventotene has served as a symbol of European human rights and liberal thought. Taking its name from this legacy, the forum invites representatives from democratic nations worldwide to exchange experiences. In her speech, Vice President Hsiao emphasized that Taiwan's achievements in epidemic prevention, technology, and social justice demonstrate that the "One China" framework cannot erase its substantive subjectivity and international contributions. This trip is not merely a matter of diplomatic protocol, but a strategic action by Taiwan to strive for "substantive participation" on the international stage.

Vice President Hsiao's delegation arrived back in the country early this morning and was immediately met by escorts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defense, highlighting the government's emphasis on her trip. Upon her return, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus issued a statement pointing out that Taiwan's international space "is not unilaterally decided by Beijing," and that exchanges and cooperation among democratic nations are likewise not dictated by China's red lines. This stance responds to recent actions by mainland China to pressure Taiwan in various international arenas, including demanding that international organizations exclude Taiwan from participation and restricting Taiwanese officials from attending international conferences. Through this, the DPP emphasized that Taiwan establishes its role in the international community in the identity of a "democratic partner," rather than being subject to the political intentions of a single major power.

At the European level, while the European Union has not formally recognized Taiwan as a sovereign state in recent years, it continues to promote substantive cooperation with Taiwan, particularly in areas such as semiconductors, green energy, and supply chain security. European political leaders have noted in multiple statements that the interpretation of the "One China" policy must take into account Europe's values and strategic interests. At this forum, several European lawmakers and scholars also expressed appreciation for Taiwan's democratic system and called on the EU to maintain "strategic autonomy" in its policy toward China, ensuring that Beijing's red lines do not restrict Europe's policy toward Taiwan. This attitude indicates that the EU is attempting to find a balanced path between its relations with China and its relations with Taiwan.

From the perspective of cross-strait relations, Vice President Hsiao's trip coincides with a period when mainland China has stepped up its military exercises and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan. Beijing frequently uses "sovereignty and territorial integrity" as a pretext to draw red lines against any actions that raise Taiwan's international visibility, warning relevant nations "not to provoke" its bottom line. The DPP's response highlights Taiwan's domestic political insistence on the issue of "sovereignty" and, through the backing of the international stage, conveys the signal to Beijing that "Taiwan will not back down due to external pressure." This move is not only a counterattack against Beijing's policies, but also shapes a proactive diplomatic image for the government domestically, boosting public trust in the administration's ability to safeguard its international space.

In summary, Vice President Hsiao's trip to Italy is not only an act of diplomatic courtesy, but also a symbolic action in Taiwan's pursuit of substantive participation within the international democratic network. The statement by the DPP legislative caucus clearly conveys a message both domestically and internationally that "Taiwan's international space shall not be unilaterally determined by other nations." In the future, if Taiwan can continue to make its voice heard in similar forums and combine this with partnerships with democratic countries such as the EU, it will help break through Beijing's diplomatic blockade and expand its influence in international affairs. (Source of facts: Central News Agency)