China angered by Taiwan VP's visit to EU democracy forum

Key Points:

• China expressed strong diplomatic discontent by lodging "solemn representations" with Italy and the EU after high-ranking Taiwanese officials attended a democracy summit in the EU bloc.
• Beijing opposes any official interactions with Taiwan by countries that have ties with China, viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province and condemning Taiwan's Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung's visit.
• The EU, represented by European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno, defended the Taiwanese officials' attendance as an important message and criticized China for attempting to interfere.
• Italy maintains a cautious stance by not officially recognizing Taiwan but hosting the conference where Taiwanese officials participated, reflecting the EU's delicate balance between supporting Taiwan's democracy and managing relations with China.
• The democracy summit also included other prominent pro-democracy figures, highlighting the EU's support for democratic movements amid geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia.