Brussels: Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived in Belgium on Friday, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as she addressed members of the European Parliament. The visit is part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with European nations.

According to Thai News Agency, Taiwan maintains official diplomatic relations in Europe solely with Vatican City. However, nations such as the UK, France, Lithuania, and Poland have increasingly welcomed Taiwanese officials, despite objections from Beijing. While Taiwan’s foreign minister has previously visited regions without formal diplomatic ties to Taipei, it is uncommon for a senior official at the vice-presidential level to make such a visit, due to potential repercussions from China.

Vice President Xiao delivered a speech at the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), held at the European Parliament in Brussels. Her visit drew a sharp response from the Chinese delegation to the EU, which stated at a press conference on Saturday that the visit violated the one-China principle, interfered in China’s internal affairs, and undermined political trust between China and the EU.

Taiwan’s presidential office highlighted that Hsiao, who has experience as the de facto ambassador to the United States and speaks fluent English, was joined by Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. In her speech, Xiao emphasized the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait for global prosperity and noted Taiwan’s progress in providing humanitarian assistance, despite its exclusion from international organizations.