Beijing protests after Taiwan’s No 2 leader makes shock speech at European Parliament
Second-in-command Hsiao Bi-khim addresses unofficial conference of lawmakers, prompting ‘indignation’ from Beijing
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).