Brussels: Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim’s recent trip to Brussels, where she delivered an address at the European Parliament, marks the opening of a new chapter in the Taiwan-European Union relations, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Sunday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the visit marks a historic step forward for Taiwan’s diplomacy, as the nation’s vice president visited a country without official ties for the first time and delivered a speech at the European Parliament. Lin conveyed in a Facebook post that Hsiao’s visit and speech indicated a new stage in Taiwan’s partnership with Europe.

Lin highlighted the evolving dynamic between Taiwan and Europe, emphasizing continued exploration of cooperation and exchanges under this new model. He expressed confidence in Taiwan’s efforts to engage more prominently on the global stage.

Hsiao and Lin returned to Taiwan after attending the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China’s (IPAC) annual summit in Brussels, where Hsiao delivered a speech titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World.” This event marked the first occasion for a Taiwanese president or vice president to speak in a non-diplomatic partner’s legislature.

The visit drew strong protests from Beijing. A spokesperson for the Chinese mission to the EU criticized IPAC as an “anti-China organization” and condemned the European Parliament’s decision to allow Hsiao’s participation, accusing it of breaching the one-China principle and damaging political trust between China and the EU.

Foreign Minister Lin, who has visited Europe multiple times since assuming office in May 2024, explained that these visits have strengthened mutual trust and paved the way for Hsiao’s Brussels trip. He acknowledged the trip’s classified nature, anticipating potential disruption from China, and expressed gratitude to President Lai Ching-te and European lawmakers for their support.

A diplomatic source revealed to CNA that Hsiao was initially unaware of her impending Brussels trip, expecting to deliver her speech via a pre-recorded video. Despite China’s protests, European officials facilitated the visit, demonstrating their support.

Tunghai University political science professor Lin Tzu-li described Hsiao’s trip as an impressive feat in Taiwan’s parliamentary diplomacy. Although Hsiao addressed the IPAC summit rather than the entire European Parliament, Lin Tzu-li viewed it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough and foresaw more such engagements involving Taiwan’s senior officials in democratic countries’ parliaments or congresses.