President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Tsai Ing-wen took to social media to express gratitude for the invitation extended by Vice President of the European Parliament Fabio Massimo Castaldo for Vice President Lai Ching-te to visit Italy and participate in a forum. Castaldo reposted President Tsai’s post, emphasizing the European Parliament’s unwavering commitment to stand on the side of freedom and democracy.
In her social media post, President Tsai shared that Vice President Lai’s attendance at the “Ventotene Forum on European Freedom and Democracy” in Italy showcased Taiwan’s firm stance in defending freedom and democracy while opposing authoritarianism. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to Vice President Castaldo for the invitation and support.
President Tsai stated that Taiwan is a member of the global community, and engaging with the world and making friends internationally are inherent rights of the Taiwanese people.
Castaldo reposted President Tsai’s post, expressing her honor in hosting Vice President Lai at the Ventotene Island in Italy and highlighting the European Parliament’s unwavering support for freedom and democracy. The forum reiterated the principle that democratic states must cooperate to oppose authoritarianism, and Vice President Lai’s presence signifies a new step in strengthening collaboration among democratic nations. Such partnerships will continue because “unity makes us stronger.”
Regarding Vice President Lai’s recent participation at the “Ventotene Forum on European Freedom and Democracy” in Italy, marking her second visit to Europe within a year, the U.S. State Department responded to Central News Agency’s inquiry, stating that Taiwan’s relationships with various countries, including European nations, bring significant benefits to their citizens.
Representative of the Republic of China to the European Union, Thomas Shieh, revealed on Facebook that a woman of Asian descent arrived at the venue three hours early, claiming to be the next “cleaner,” but security personnel confirmed that no such personnel were planned for the event. This incident suggests that “the world is watching Taiwan, and China has also sent people to observe.”
Shieh mentioned that security personnel briefly spoke to the woman before they both left. He regretted not allowing her to stay, as he believed that if she had listened to Vice President Lai’s speech and the dialogue between the European Parliament Vice President and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy in firm support of Taiwan’s freedom and democracy, she might have been moved.
Shieh emphasized that China is exerting great efforts to isolate Taiwan as a tactic. Prolonged isolation may lead the international community to overlook Taiwan and perceive cross-strait issues as China’s “domestic affairs.”
He stressed that enabling Taiwan’s elected officials to break through China’s blockade, appear on the international stage, and speak out is crucial to convey Taiwan’s existence and firm alignment with free and democratic nations, standing side by side, hand in hand. It is necessary to make it clear that a free and democratic Taiwan cannot be a part of authoritarian China. This mission is Taiwan’s lifeline and a sacred duty for overseas representatives.