Story perspectives

Italy Refuses to Meet Taiwan Vice President

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 6:21 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy.
She arrived in Italy on September 11 with Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
China’s foreign ministry lodged solemn representations with Italy and the EU and called the Taiwanese officials “despicable”.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said he would not meet Hsiao or Lin and no meeting is planned.

History

Historical Context

On 25 October 1971 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, voting 76-35 to recognize the People’s Republic of China and expel the Republic of China’s representatives. That decision anchored Beijing’s claim that Taiwan cannot join international bodies, a stance echoed in 2024 when Taiwan’s vice-president Hsiao Bi-khim and minister Lin Chia-lung attended Italy’s Ventotene Conference, prompting Beijing’s protest and Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani to refuse meetings.

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Story summary

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the Ventotene Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy.
She arrived in Italy on September 11 with Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
China’s foreign ministry lodged solemn representations with Italy and the EU and called the Taiwanese officials “despicable”.
Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said he would not meet Hsiao or Lin and no meeting is planned.

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