Full Breakdown
Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s Secret Ventotene Visit Highlights Democratic Ties and Beijing Pushback
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Core Event: Secret Arrival for Ventotene Democracy Conference
Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim arrived on Italy’s Ventotene Island for the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy, travelling with Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. The trip was not disclosed publicly until Hsiao’s arrival, a precaution against possible interference by the People’s Republic of China. The three-day conference began on September 10 and continued through September 11, when Hsiao was scheduled to join a panel discussion.
Background & Context
Taiwan lacks formal diplomatic recognition from Italy and the EU. Since taking office in May 2024, Hsiao has made two European trips, the first to Brussels in November 2025 to address the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. The Ventotene conference, launched in 2025 by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, draws dissidents and democracy advocates; the island itself is symbolic, having hosted the 1941 Ventotene Manifesto against fascism. Taiwan has used parliamentary and civil-society forums in Europe to deepen ties, especially after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine heightened EU-China frictions.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Taiwan Presidential Office confirmed the visit, noting Hsiao’s participation at the invitation of the organizers and the presence of Foreign Minister Lin.
- Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, lodged “solemn representations” with Italy and the EU, describing the Democratic Progressive Party’s actions as “despicable and ultimately futile.”
- Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister, was reported not to meet Hsiao or Lin, underscoring Italy’s adherence to the One-China policy while allowing de facto representation.
Criticism & Opposition
China’s foreign ministry reiterated its claim that Taiwan is an “inseparable part” of Chinese territory and condemned the conference as a platform for “autocratic regimes” to be challenged. The statement framed the Taiwanese delegation’s presence as a “despicable” attempt to seek international attention, reflecting Beijing’s broader strategy of objecting to senior Taiwanese officials’ overseas travel.
Data & Statistics
- The conference ran from September 10 to September 11, spanning three days on Ventotene, a 1.54-square-kilometre island off Italy’s western coast.
- Participants included Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine) and activists Yulia Navalnaya and Svetlana Tikhanovskaya.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No source provides a full agenda or confirms whether the conference continued beyond September 11.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No one can determine who can be hosted on European soil, what voices can be heard, and what presences must be hidden,” — Pina Picierno
- “Since the Chinese regime still uses threats and intimidation to prevent Taiwanese political leaders from participating in free conferences, her presence was kept secret to ensure she could actually arrive,” — Pina Picierno
- “I believe the world needs the courage of women; and throughout history, many women have changed the course of history through their determination,” — Pina Picierno
What’s Next
Picierno announced plans to visit Taiwan, stating that collaboration between the European Parliament and Hsiao’s office is “just beginning.” The Taiwanese side has indicated that further dialogue will focus on democratic resilience and countering authoritarian pressure, though no formal diplomatic shift is expected from Italy at this stage.