Taipei: The Taiwanese people should be able to participate in the international community like all global citizens, and this belief is what drives the government to fight for Taiwan’s international recognition despite the many hardships and challenges, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim said on Sunday upon returning to Taiwan from her trip to Brussels.

According to Focus Taiwan, Hsiao made the remarks at the Taoyuan International Airport following a whirlwind trip to Brussels for the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China’s (IPAC) Annual Summit at the European Parliament. There, she delivered a historic speech titled “Taiwan: A Trusted Partner in a Volatile World.”

During her address, Hsiao emphasized Taiwan’s ongoing struggle against hardships and setbacks, affirming the government’s determination to secure Taiwan’s role in the global community. “All this time, Taiwan has faced hardships, unfair treatment, and setbacks. Nothing has been easy,” she stated, underscoring the resilience of the Taiwanese people in the
ir pursuit of international participation.

Hsiao expressed gratitude towards the Taiwanese public for their support, noting that their collective efforts are vital in overcoming challenges. She reiterated Taiwan’s commitment to reshaping global supply chains and strengthening its role as a responsible member of the international community, which she believes will help garner more allies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Hsiao’s speech, the first by a Taiwanese vice president in the European Parliament, received a standing ovation from over 150 international guests, including lawmakers from Europe, the United States, the Indo-Pacific, and Africa.

Hsiao’s trip to Brussels was unannounced by the Presidential Office, surprising many as she was last seen in Taipei receiving a United Nations delegation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refrained from commenting on the timing of her departure.

The backdrop to her visit includes China’s ongoing efforts to limit Taiwan’s international presence, blockin
g its participation in organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Additionally, a report from the Czech news outlet iRozhlas alleged a planned intimidation attempt by the Chinese embassy during Hsiao’s visit to Prague last year, although it was not executed.