A cross-party group of Italian lawmakers is landing in Taiwan and will meet President Lai Ching-te, a boost for Taiwan's standing in Europe and an irritant for Beijing.

• Senate Deputy Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio is leading 10 Italian lawmakers, the biggest and most cross-party delegation Italy's parliament has ever sent to Taipei.
• The group spans both governing and opposition parties, signalling support for Taiwan that cuts across Italian politics.
• Centinaio says keeping the Taiwan Strait as it is now is the starting point for peace in the Indo-Pacific, and that there must be no sign of backing down under threats.
• The delegation will also meet Taiwanese business and cultural figures and open Italy's pavilion at the SEMICON Taiwan chip show — a nod to chips and trade as the real glue.

Outlook: Expect talks focused on trade, chips and Indo-Pacific security, and a sharp protest from Beijing.