• Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim addresses the European Parliament, marking a significant diplomatic outreach.
• Hsiao emphasizes the importance of stability across the Taiwan Strait for global prosperity.
• China condemns Hsiao's visit, asserting violations of the one-China principle.
• This event reflects a bold move by Taiwan as tensions with China increase.
• Hsiao's speech was well-received by international lawmakers, highlighting solidarity among democracies.

Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim delivered an important speech at the European Parliament in Brussels on November 7, 2023, marking her as one of the highest-ranking officials from Taiwan to address an international legislature without formal diplomatic recognition. Hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, her address aimed at strengthening Taiwan's ties with Europe amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. Hsiao stated, “Despite being excluded from international organisations, Taiwan has stepped up. We contribute to humanitarian aid. We uphold global standards even when we are not allowed a seat at the table,” a sentiment echoing Taiwan's proactive stance on the international stage, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.

During her speech, Hsiao underscored that “stability across the Taiwan Strait is a cornerstone of global prosperity,” linking Taiwan's security to broader geopolitical stability. She further articulated the perception that peace in the Taiwan Strait is essential to global economic continuity and articulated a strong position against unilateral changes by force, pressuring European lawmakers to reaffirm their support for Taiwan. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, receiving a standing ovation during her remarks, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Hsiao's visit attracted criticism from China, with its mission to the European Union condemning the event as a “grave violation” of the one-China principle and an interference in China's internal affairs. This backlash is symptomatic of the growing tensions surrounding Taiwan's international engagements. China has increased its military presence around Taiwan and has made clear its position against any form of Taiwanese independence, viewing these diplomatic maneuvers as threats to its sovereignty, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Hsiao Bi-khim's address comes at a time when Taiwan is fortifying its global presence, particularly in Europe, with past visits by Taiwan's former officials setting precedence despite China's objections. Accompanied by Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Hsiao's engagement reflects Taiwan's strategy to seek closer ties with European nations while asserting its uniquely democratic identity against the backdrop of increasing Chinese assertiveness. This event is part of a broader push, particularly following earlier European visits by Lin, where he aimed to bolster diplomatic relations, according to Channel News Asia, Reuters, and SCMP.

In her remarks, Hsiao drew parallels between Taiwan's experiences of cyberattacks and infrastructure disruptions, allegedly due to Chinese actions, to similar threats faced by European countries amid current geopolitical tensions. This comparison aimed to highlight the shared struggles of democracies under authoritarian pressures, underscoring that Taiwan is not alone in its challenges. Such rhetoric is critical as Taiwan looks to present itself as a partner to European democracies in facing global authoritarianism, as noted by Channel News Asia, Reuters, and SCMP.