Story perspectives

China Files Formal Complaints Over Hsiao’s Italy Trip

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 2:48 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled with Hsiao.
The ministry withheld itinerary details.
MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei said China has no right to interfere with the Italian visit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning filed serious representations with Italy and the European Union over the trip.

History

Historical Context

1979’s Taiwan Relations Act kept U.S. unofficial ties after recognizing the People’s Republic of China and authorized $3.2 billion in arms sales, such as F-5 fighters. Reinforced by the Six Assurances, the law has sustained Taiwan’s security cooperation with U.S. allies. Hsiao Bi-khim’s 2024 Italy trip, echoing Cold-War tensions, drew a formal protest from Beijing, underscoring the act’s lasting impact.

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Story summary

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the Second Ventotene European Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Italy.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung traveled with Hsiao.
The ministry withheld itinerary details.
MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei said China has no right to interfere with the Italian visit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning filed serious representations with Italy and the European Union over the trip.

1 / 2