Vice President Bi-Khim Hsiao has urged the European Union to strengthen
security and trade ties with Taiwan ... and support its democracy ... amid
growing threats from China.

Hsiao addressed international lawmakers in Brussels, calling for
collaboration on supply chains and AI technology.

Her speech marked the first time a senior Taiwanese official has spoken in
the EU's parliament in Brussels.

The EU and Taiwan have no formal diplomatic relations.

Hsiao compared cyberattacks on Taiwan to those faced by Europe since Russia's
invasion of Ukraine. Her visit was part of a conference organized by the
Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.

China's mission to Europe criticized the EU parliament for allowing her and
other leading "Taiwan independence" figures to carry out so-called separatist
activities in its building despite China's opposition.

It said, "This act seriously harms China's core interests and violates the
one-China principle, while seriously interfering in China's internal affairs
and undermining China-EU political mutual trust."

AP_JvW