UltraDaily.org — Europe Opens Its Doors to Taiwan: A Quiet Defiance in Brussels

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim made an unannounced but symbolically powerful visit to Belgium on Friday, addressing lawmakers inside the European Parliament—an important moment in Taipei’s growing outreach to Europe despite Beijing’s warnings.

Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) summit, Hsiao praised Europe’s resilience and drew parallels between the continent’s struggles for freedom and Taiwan’s defense of democracy. “Europe has defended freedom under fire,” she said. “And Taiwan has defended democracy under pressure.”

For Taiwan, the appearance was more than diplomatic—it was historic. Senior Taiwanese officials rarely travel to Europe due to fears of Chinese retaliation against host nations. Hsiao’s visit marks one of the highest-level European engagements by a Taipei official in recent years.

China reacted swiftly. Its mission to the European Union condemned the visit as a “grave violation” of the one-China principle and “serious interference in China’s internal affairs.” The statement accused the EU of undermining mutual trust, though Brussels has not formally commented.

Hsiao, who previously served as Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, was joined by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. In her address, she framed Taiwan’s presence as an act of inclusion rather than defiance: “Despite being excluded from international organizations, Taiwan steps up. We contribute to humanitarian aid. We uphold global standards even when we are not allowed a seat at the table.”

European lawmakers across party lines, from France to Lithuania, have increasingly voiced support for Taiwan’s right to participate in the global community. In recent years, several European nations—most notably Czechia, Lithuania, and Poland—have hosted senior Taiwanese officials despite Chinese protests.

Analysts see this moment as part of a quiet but significant shift. “Europe is no longer willing to be silent on Taiwan,” said Mikaela Erikkson, a European foreign policy analyst. “The narrative is changing from fear of economic punishment to a recognition of shared democratic values.”

Beijing’s reaction may yet follow familiar lines—diplomatic protests or pressure on European businesses operating in China. But officials in Taipei appear undeterred. Former President Tsai Ing-wen is scheduled to visit Berlin next week, and Lin recently completed diplomatic visits to Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Italy.

For Europe, Taiwan’s democratic story is increasingly seen as a mirror of its own. For Taiwan, the reception in Brussels was a reminder that its struggle for recognition resonates far beyond its shores.

“Taiwan is no longer just an island—it is an idea,” one European delegate said privately after the speech. “And today, that idea was heard in the heart of Europe.”