Taiwan's vice president delivers historic speech at European Parliament

Saturday 08 November 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Taiwan's vice president delivers historic speech at European Parliament

Taiwan's Vice President, Hsiao Bi-khim, made history on Friday as the first sitting Taiwanese vice president to address the European Parliament in Brussels. Her speech highlighted Taiwan's democratic values and called for closer cooperation with Europe amid escalating tensions with China.

A call for peace and collaboration

Speaking at the annual summit of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, Hsiao addressed lawmakers from around 24 countries, emphasizing that “peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global stability and economic continuity.” She also warned that “international opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo by force cannot be overstated.” Accompanied by Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Hsiao received a standing ovation from the gathered European lawmakers.

Beijing’s strong condemnation

The Chinese mission to the European Union issued a sharp rebuke on Saturday, condemning Hsiao's visit as a “grave violation” of the One-China principle and an “intrusion into China’s domestic affairs.” According to the Global Times, Beijing expressed “strong indignation and firm opposition” while lodging formal protests with the EU.

Despite such objections, Taiwan continues to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Europe. While the Vatican remains the only European state with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan, high-level Taiwanese officials have visited nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Lithuania, and Poland, signaling growing European engagement with Taipei.

Security concerns and Taiwan’s global contributions

Hsiao’s trip was kept confidential due to security concerns, following reports that Chinese agents plotted an attack on her vehicle during a visit to the Czech Republic in March 2024. Czech authorities later described the incident as an “unprecedented provocation” by Beijing in Europe.

During her address, Hsiao, a fluent English speaker and former de facto ambassador to the United States, underscored Taiwan’s contributions despite international isolation. “Although excluded from international organizations, Taiwan has fulfilled its responsibilities. We contribute to humanitarian aid and uphold global standards, even without a seat at the table,” she said.

Taiwan’s diplomatic engagement in Europe will continue as former President Tsai Ing-wen is set to speak at the Freedom Conference in Berlin on Monday.