Beijing protests after Taiwan’s No 2 leader makes speech at European Parliament

Beijing has lodged a protest with the European Union following a surprise speech by Taiwan’s No 2 leader Hsiao Bi-khim at the European Parliament in Brussels on Friday.

Organisers said she was the most senior official from Taiwan to have spoken at a foreign legislature in which the island did not have diplomatic recognition.

Hsiao spoke at an unofficial conference of lawmakers from around the world who advocate for tougher China policies.

She told the gathering that “cross-strait stability is not only a regional concern … it is a cornerstone of global prosperity”, as she encouraged closer ties between Europe and Taiwan.

“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,” Hsiao told the annual meeting of the hardline Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC).

It was not immediately clear whether European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was aware of Hsiao’s speech in advance. The IPAC summit was registered as a “member event” rather than an event organised by the parliament, meaning no prior approval of speakers was required.

South China Morning Post