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Hsiao Bi-khim returns from Ventotene democracy forum in Italy
Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has returned to Taiwan following a high-profile visit to Ventotene, Italy, to participate in the 2nd Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy. The trip, which was kept secret beforehand to ensure security and avoid interference, involved a 27-hour journey including travel by plane, car, and ferry.
During the forum, Hsiao addressed the international community regarding the increasing military and gray-zone pressures facing Taiwan. She emphasized that despite these challenges, Taiwan remains committed to its democratic way of life and seeks to maintain regional peace and prosperity. She drew parallels between the historical significance of Ventotene—the birthplace of European integration ideas—and Taiwan's own transition from authoritarianism to democracy.
The visit drew strong reactions from international actors. While China lodged formal protests against the trip, European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno expressed support, stating that the European Parliament stands firmly on the side of freedom and democracy and confirming her intention to visit Taiwan. Conversely, the European Commission withdrew from the forum after the announcement of Hsiao's attendance, while maintaining its One China policy.
Entities
European Commission · European Parliament · Hsiao Bi-khim · Italy · Pina Picierno · Taiwan · Ventotene
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Hsiao highlighted the increasing military and gray-zone pressures facing Taiwan. ctinews.com · homedia.news · news.nextapple.com · news.pchome.com.tw · www.voachinese.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Italy's Foreign Minister stated that Italy maintains a One China policy but supports the status quo. ctinews.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Hsiao attended the 2nd Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy. ctinews.com · homedia.news · news.nextapple.com · news.pchome.com.tw · www.voachinese.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] China lodged formal protests against the visit. ctinews.com · www.voachinese.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] even if the situation is difficult, Taiwan will continue to bravely walk the path of walking with the world ctinews.com · homedia.news · news.nextapple.com · www.voachinese.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The European Commission withdrew from the forum following the announcement of Hsiao's attendance. www.voachinese.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno confirmed she will visit Taiwan. www.voachinese.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The trip was kept secret beforehand to ensure security and avoid interference. ctinews.com · news.nextapple.com · news.pchome.com.tw · www.voachinese.com