By Manisha Sahu | America News World
November 9, 2025
On a watershed visit to Europe, Hsiao Bi‑khim, Vice President of Taiwan, declared firmly Sunday that Taiwan is “not alone”, signalling her island’s determination to expand its global alliances despite mounting pressure from China.
A Rare High-Level European Visit
The trip marks a significant diplomatic milestone: although Taiwan’s foreign ministers occasionally visit Europe, it is highly unusual for someone as senior as a vice president to do so — largely because of the risk of backlash from Beijing and the absence of formal diplomatic relations with most European nations.
In Brussels, Hsiao addressed the annual summit of the Inter‑Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) held at the European Parliament building — a platform that brought together lawmakers from more than 20 countries.
Key Messages & Diplomatic Signals
Speaking upon her return in Taipei, Hsiao acknowledged that Taiwan faces an “extremely difficult” international situation, but emphasised that the island has never backed down from its right to engage globally.
“Taiwan is not alone. We have more and more like-minded friends around the world who are willing to walk with us,” she said. “And we will continue, with confidence, pragmatism, and firm steps, to show the world Taiwan’s resolve, goodwill, and the power of our democracy.”
In her address at the IPAC event, Hsiao stressed the shared values between Taiwan and democracies in Europe:
“Europe has defended freedom under fire. And Taiwan has built democracy under pressure.”
She also urged deeper cooperation in trade, security, and technology, describing Taiwan’s situation as “a matter not just of the island, but one of global prosperity and the integrity of the international system.”
Beijing’s Reaction
Unsurprisingly, China strongly condemned the visit. Beijing’s mission to the European Union accused Hsiao’s appearance of being a “serious interference in China’s internal affairs”, saying it undermined mutual political trust between China and the EU.
China continues to assert that Taiwan is a part of its territory and has never ruled out the use of force for “reunification”.
Taiwan’s Broader Strategy & Context
This visit fits within a broader strategy by Taipei to deepen informal ties with Europe. For example, former President Tsai Ing‑wen is set to travel to Berlin this week to address a conference, part of Taiwan’s effort to project itself as a trusted global partner despite its diplomatic isolation.
Taiwan’s outreach reflects a dual intent: to assert its democratic credentials and to diversify its international relationships beyond the shadow of China’s pressure. Analysts suggest that Taiwan’s significance extends beyond geopolitics: its technological strengths — particularly in semiconductors — make it a valuable partner for Europe’s supply chains and tech ecosystem.
Implications for Europe, Taiwan & the Region
For Taiwan: The visit sends a strong signal to both domestic and international audiences that the island remains resilient and committed to its global engagement despite external pressures.
For Europe: It presents a choice — to deepen ties with Taiwan and democracies like it, while managing the delicate relationship with China and the One-China policy. Hsiao’s message may test Europe’s appetite for balancing values with economic and diplomatic pragmatism.
For the Taiwan Strait region: Escalating visits and high-level engagement make the status quo more contested — Beijing may perceive such moves as an erosion of its leverage, potentially increasing regional tensions.
What to Watch
-Whether European nations respond with concrete policy measures (trade, tech, security links) following Hsiao’s outreach.
How China reacts in terms of diplomatic, economic or military signals.
Taiwan’s domestic narrative: how the government uses the visit to bolster its international standing and legitimacy.
The impact on the Taiwan Strait’s stability and the broader Indo-Pacific security outlook.
Hsiao’s trip to Europe — rare for a Taiwanese vice president — underscores Taiwan’s determination to assert its place on the global stage. By aligning with like-minded democracies and emphasising shared values, Taiwan is sending a clear message: it will neither be isolated nor silenced. Europe’s response, and China’s next moves, will help determine whether this visit becomes a turning point or just a chapter in the ongoing diplomatic tug-of-war over Taiwan’s future.