China lodges serious protest with Italy and EU over Taiwanese official’s visit
China said it had lodged a serious protest with Italy and the European Union over the participation of Taiwanese official Hsiao Bi-khim in a conference on the Italian island of Ventotene. Beijing urged Italy and the EU to abide by the one-China principle through “real actions,” Anadolu Agency reports.
Visit to a conference in Italy
Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s second-highest-ranking official, arrived in Italy for the second European Conference for Freedom and Democracy in Ventotene. She is accompanied by Taiwan’s top diplomat, Lin Chia-lung. The three-day event on the island of Ventotene is due to end on Saturday.
Hsiao’s participation in the conference was not announced in advance. European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno said the trip was kept secret until the official’s arrival in order to ensure her participation. According to Picierno, no one can determine whom Europe will receive on its territory or which voices may be heard there.
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Beijing’s position
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said that the Taiwanese authorities linked to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and certain politicians are, in her words, seeking to gain external support for a separatist agenda by invoking democracy and freedom. She also said that China opposes official contacts in any form between Taiwan and states that have diplomatic relations with the PRC.
Mao called the one-China principle the political foundation of China’s relations with Italy and the EU. China considers Taiwan to be its territory, while Taiwan has maintained self-government since 1949.
