Taiwan strengthens relations with the European Union, vice-president visits Brussels

Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim visits Belgium and addresses a meeting of MEPs in Brussels, an extraordinary step in Taiwan's diplomatic efforts to forge closer relations with Europe. Hsiao attended the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance Summit on China.

She said that stability in the Taiwan Strait is a cornerstone of global prosperity: "Despite its exclusion from international organisations, Taiwan has been engaged. We are contributing to humanitarian aid. We abide by global standards even though we are not allowed a seat at the negotiating table."

Her visit was accompanied by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. The Chinese mission to the Union described the trip as a violation of the one-China principle and interference in internal affairs.

Beijing regards Taiwan as its territory, while Taipei says it has the right to separate international relations and China has no right to claim the island or dictate actions to them.

Taiwan's only formal diplomatic relations in Europe are with the Vatican. Yet other European countries allow meetings with its representatives. In September, Lin visited Austria, Poland, Italy and the Czech Republic to deepen cooperation. Former President Tsai Ing-wen is also preparing to speak in Berlin.

(reuters, max)