Diplomacy

VP Hsiao Tells Italy Forum of China's Gray-Zone Threats to Taiwan

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Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao has told a forum in Italy that Taiwan continues to face gray-zone threats from China. Her attendance at the Ventotene Forum for European Freedom and Democracy has been attacked by Beijing. European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, who organized the event, pushed back, saying Beijing does not decide the European Parliament’s agenda. She also said she plans to visit Taiwan in the future.

Taiwan Vice President Attends Forum in Italy

REPORTER:  
Hsiao says Taiwan continues to face gray-zone threats

Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao has told a forum in Italy that Taiwan continues to face gray-zone threats from China. Hsiao was speaking on the island of Ventotene, which was liberated from German occupation in a daring raid during World War II.

Bi-Khim Hsiao (TAIWAN VICE PRESIDENT):  
Like the people and freedom fighters here at Ventotene, many freedom fighters in Taiwan also fought for freedom and democracy under very difficult circumstances. And in Taiwan, our democracy is also facing significant military and gray-zone pressure.

Hsiao’s attendance at the Ventotene Forum for European Freedom and Democracy has been criticized by Beijing.

European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, who organized the event, pushed back, saying Beijing does not decide the European Parliament’s agenda, and that she plans to visit Taiwan in the future.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry also said China has no right to interfere with the vice president’s diplomatic activities.