Updated

Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim made a rare visit to Europe to attend a conference on democracy, a trip that European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno said was kept secret until Hsiao's arrival in order to protect her participation. The visit is notable given China's strong objections to official contacts between Taiwanese leaders and foreign governments. The secrecy surrounding the trip underscores the diplomatic sensitivities involved, as European institutions balance engagement with Taiwan against maintaining relations with Beijing.