Italy sent its largest-ever group of lawmakers to Taiwan, a positive sign for Taiwan's push to build economic and political ties in Europe despite pressure from China.

• A cross-party delegation of ten senators and deputies, led by Italian Senate Deputy Speaker Gian Marco Centinaio, is in Taipei for talks.
• Taiwan's foreign ministry wants deeper cooperation in chips, technology and trade, pointing to Italy's strong electronics industry.
• Taiwan's central role in the global chip supply chain is the main draw, and both sides say recent semiconductor cooperation is growing.
• Talks also covered Taiwan's participation in international bodies and tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
• A new Italian law shielding borrowed foreign artworks from seizure, in force since mid-August, clears the way for Taiwanese treasures to be exhibited in Italy after two decades of lobbying.

Outlook: Expect more Italy-Taiwan exchanges in chips and cultural projects, with Beijing likely to object to the growing parliamentary contacts.