Overview
- Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke on Nov. 7 at IPAC’s summit in the European Parliament, urging broader international participation for Taiwan and describing its people as victims of coercion by China.
- Beijing said it lodged serious protests with the European Parliament, accusing Hsiao of promoting separatism and charging that the venue violated the one‑China principle.
- IPAC founder Luke de Pulford rejected online claims of a quid pro quo involving Taiwan Foundation for Democracy funding, calling the allegations fabricated and stating the invitation was freely extended.
- IPAC said the European Parliament’s leadership, the EU’s diplomatic service, and Belgium’s foreign ministry were informed and assisted with the arrangements.
- Taipei kept the Brussels trip highly classified, later noting the speech drew a standing ovation, and officials highlighted enhanced security after earlier reports of an unexecuted intimidation plan during a prior European visit.