Source: Republic of China Taiwan
September 14, 2026
No. 430
On September 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung accompanied Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao as she visited the Italian island of Ventotene to attend the Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy at the invitation of Vice-President of the European Parliament Pina Picierno and Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Italy Carlo Corazza. Their visit was made with the full support of President Lai Ching-te and in accordance with his guidance for diplomatic policy toward Europe.
In the evening, Vice President Hsiao joined Vice-President Picierno, columnist and former Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Gianni Vernetti, and Italian media figure Antonio Talia for a panel entitled “From the Indo-Pacific to the Mediterranean: for freedom and against totalitarianism.” The conference was attended by over 100 guests, including members of the European Parliament, prominent political figures from like-minded countries, key civil society activists, media figures, and academics.
As they arrived at the venue for the event, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin were welcomed on behalf of the organizers by Vice-President Picierno, who expressed appreciation to Vice President Hsiao for accepting the invitation and attending in person. In her remarks, Vice President Hsiao said that Ventotene held important symbolic significance in Europe’s fight against totalitarianism, its pursuit of freedom, and its promotion of European integration. Observing that Taiwan had also experienced an era of authoritarian rule and a challenging period of democratization, she said that this year marked 30 years since Taiwan’s first direct presidential election and that Taiwan deeply appreciated that freedom and democracy were not easily won. Vice President Hsiao added that, in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and faced with growing military intimidation, gray-zone tactics, economic coercion, and other challenges, Taiwan continued to bolster national defense, economic security, and whole-of-society resilience while strengthening its response capabilities in such areas as communications, energy, and critical infrastructure.
Vice President Hsiao went on to emphasize that no island was too small to have a voice, and that no island or society were too small to deserve respect. She said that Taiwan would continue to work with Europe and global democratic partners to defend freedom, human dignity, and democracy. Later, she exchanged views with other panelists on the lessons of the Russia-Ukraine war for Taiwan, Taiwan-US-China relations, Taiwan’s international participation, Taiwan-Europe cooperation and related prospects, and other issues.
Following the panel, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin attended a dinner hosted by Vice-President Picierno. During the meal, they engaged in warm and cordial interactions and exchanges with Mr. Corazza, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Sandro Gozi, Mayor of Ventotene Carmine Caputo, and other prominent political figures.
During a conversation with Vice-President Picierno, Minister Lin mentioned that this trip to accompany Vice President Hsiao was his third visit to Italy since assuming office. He explained that during last visit, he had visited the northern Italian industrial powerhouse of Milan, which had attracted significant investment from Taiwanese businesses such as GlobalWafers, TCC, and HIWIN Technologies, advancing substantive economic relations between Taiwan and Italy.
During their stay in Ventotene, Vice President Hsiao and Minister Lin also met with Chair of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament Valérie Hayer. They exchanged views on the shared challenges facing Taiwan and Europe, including security issues, economic coercion, and fostering whole-of-society resilience. Minister Lin and Chair Hayer, who is a French national, also discussed Taiwan-France semiconductor cooperation, Taiwan’s ability to support Europe’s reindustrialization efforts, and other matters.
The Second European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy was organized with the guidance of the European Parliament and the support of the local government in Ventotene. The event sought to harness the collective strength of the international community to safeguard such universal values as freedom, democracy, and human rights in the face of challenges currently being posed by authoritarianism around the world.
The island of Ventotene is celebrated as the birthplace of European federalism. With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the death of European parliamentarian Altiero Spinelli—a prominent advocate of European federalism—the organizers used this year’s conference to commemorate Mr. Spinelli’s contributions to European integration.
During her trip, Vice President Hsiao also visited two historically significant sites—the Cisterne Romane and the Museo Storico Archeologico—with a view to promoting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between Taiwan and Italy. (E)