Taiwan Vice President’s Historic EU Parliament Address Sparks Strong Protest from China

Brussels , November 9: Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim delivered a landmark speech at the European Parliament, calling for peace, stability, and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait, while warning against China’s attempts to alter the status quo. The event marked the first-ever address by a senior Taiwanese government official in a foreign parliament, a move that drew sharp protests from Beijing.

Speaking at the 2025 Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) Summit in Brussels, Hsiao said, “Peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global stability and economic continuity. We want democracies to thrive — to build a future where free societies are more united and capable.”

The summit, attended by lawmakers from over 50 countries, highlighted Taiwan’s growing global significance. Hsiao’s remarks received a standing ovation, reflecting broad support among international delegates for Taiwan’s democratic values and its role in global supply chains.

In response, China’s Mission to the EU issued a strong statement condemning the European Parliament for hosting what it termed “Taiwan independence activities.” The mission said the act “seriously harms China’s core interests, violates the one-China principle, and undermines China-EU political trust.”

China urged the EU to stop “sending wrong signals” to separatist forces and to respect Beijing’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite China’s protest, Taiwan’s participation in IPAC as an official member for the first time underscores its expanding international presence and commitment to democratic engagement.

The event reaffirmed Taiwan’s strategic and moral importance in the global dialogue on peace, democracy, and resilience in the face of authoritarian pressure.